
Class \' 4 
Book_,_JLi 



•THE TRIALS-^ 



-AND- 




H 



ESCAPES 

— OF — 

R J, & BUD DANIEL 

IN ARKANSAS, 

*IN 1883-* 

THE SO-CALLED OUTLAWS. 

SOMEWHERE IN LOOK-OUT HOLLOW. 



COPYRIGHT SECURED 18»5 



State of Ueorgia, County of Jackson. 
To the Citizens of the State of Georgia, and every place 

interested : 

This instrument certifies that we are acquainted with the 
fact that E. J. Daniel married Miss Lueinda Potts, in Jackson 
County, Geoi'gia, lived a consistent life here, moved to Ar- 
kansas; left no stain of outlawry in Georgia. His ancestry 
were of no mean standing in public and private life, while 
the Potts family enjoyed the confidence and regard of the 
intelligence and candor about them. Socially, morally, intel- 
lectually, we had no words of censure against E. J. Daniel 
when he emigrated to the West. 

Witness our hands and seals, this the 4th day of April,. 
1885. 

W. T. Bennett, H. W. Bell, 

Clerk Sup'r Ct., and Ordinary Jackson Co., Ga. 

[Seal.] County Treas. Jackson Co. [Seal.] 

J. C. Whitehead, P. M. 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES 
R.J. AND BUD DANIEL. 



CHAPTER I. 

Georgia \h certainly the garden spot of the number settled 
before the Declaration of Independence. Founded by Benev- 
olence, a refuge for the j^oor and persecuted, a grant from 
George II., including all the territory between the Savannah 
and the beautiful Altamaha rivers. That noble soldier and 
statesman, James Oglethorpe, first schemed the plan, and it 
developed, in 1732, into a company of about six score soulg 
ascending the Savannah River, and in February, 1733, Sa^ 
vannah Settlement was commenced. Wild sons of the forest 
were here then, with whom peace and friendship were desired 
and obtained. Population, like ocean waves, swelled until 
Scotland, Switzerland and Germany whitened the ocean, and 
crowded into this famous colony ef George II. 

It is a fact pregnant with meaning, that John and Charles 
Wesley were among the early emigrants to the Colony, and 
those God-fearing men laid deep and wide the foundation of 
religious liberty which has ever characterized that pious, 
numerous, and energetic body of Christians known as Meth- 
odists. 

Georgia had drawbacks at first, on account of Spanish 
troubles in Florida. Spain has been kind to America in one 
sense, and hostile in many others. A domineering spirit of 
intrigue, religious persecution, and forced forms of worship, 
though endorsed by his Reverence, the Pope, could never re- 
ceive the right hand of fellowship of those proud spirits thai 
trusted their lives to the boisterous deep, to reach the place 
where they "could worship God according to the dictates of 
their own consciences." 

Oglethorpe invaded the Spaniards in 1740, at St. Augustine, 
and in 1742, the Spaniards, thinking " turn about fair play,'" 



4 HAIR BREADTH ESCAPES OF K. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

boisted skull and cross-bones, as it were, against the feeble 
colony. Havana, too large for her clothing, and misjudging 
the valor and determination of the fiery metal burning in 
the honest hearts of those who had grappled on the giddy 
heights of Scotland, throwing their bonnets over craggy 
canyons to settle forever the family feud, by hurling the un- 
fortunate victim thousands of feet upon the bowlders below, 
while the William Tell spirit united the Hildebrundt boldness 
of Fatherland, Cuba sent on the dread mission of butchery, 
rapine, and inhuman agency, 3,000 brigands, ripe for the 
bloody errand; but encountering the colony of 800, rank 
and file, and all told, were quickly repulsed with prodigious 
slaughter, and driven from the coast. 

In 1743, a government by a President and Council was in- 
augurated ; some moved to South Carolina, some would not 
come from the West Indies by reason of prohibition of the 
liquor traffic ; hence the colony declined till 1752, when 
Georgia became a royal province. Population, wealth, in- 
fluence, Christianity, all flapped their pinions, and " Peace on 
earth, good will to man, and glory to God in the highest — 
with Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation," has been the undy- 
ing motto of Georgia. 

Georgia is between 30** and 35° latitude, and 80" and 85° 
longitude, while the rocky heights of Tennessee and North 
Carolina are north; the Atlantic stormy waves, east; the 
Land of Flowers, south; Alabama, (here we rest,) on the 
west. But no county can claim more generosity, wealth, 
health, pine forests, and valor, humanity, and self-esteem, 
than Jackson County, standing out in bold relief, in sight 
and hearing distance, if necessary, of Walton, Gwinnett, and 
.-Oconee counties. Jackson county gave birth to statesmen, 
warriors, scholars, and kind-hearted, brave men, that would 
resent injury at the " drum's tap," and forgive as soon as the 
first symptoms of reformation appeared- Their word was 
their bond — ;just as good as, and better than, a waive-note, 
mortgage, (death-grip,) or any man's guano claim. In those 
days the people had no telegraph to sling Jupiter's fiery 
shaft ; no flying palaces ; no floating magnificences upon our 
broad rivers ; no debt crushing life and home; but '• hog and 
hominy" abounded — corn, meat, syrup, raised at home; 



HAIR BREADTH ESCAPES OF R, J. AND BUD DANIEL. 5 

plenty of cattle, horses, cows, sheep, and domestic poultry 
was the pleasant inheritance, while wild game — deer, bears, 
wolves, turkeys, and minor game, were abundant. " Pick up 
your gun, step out and kill a deer," was a common phrase, 
and men in those days were apt to '' bring in game ;" for one 
old saint, now in Paradise, at the age of 70, shot a target 
match, in company with his nephew, (who still moves on 
terra firma,) against two noted marksmen. That old patri- 
arch, without glasses, "drove the centre" seven consecutive 
shots. That generous patriarch's name was Daniel. It is 
characteristic of the name in Georgia to be skilful marksmen, 
quiet, generous, easily entreated, above meanness, but awful 
when imposed upon ; and when driven to vindicate the honor 
of that royal blood that flowed in the veins of ancestry. 

Among other traits, one most prominent in the Daniel 
family was scrupulous integrity. They would walk five miles 
to pay a dime, but would not go ten paces to defraud any one 
out of a copper. Truth was one element in their lives. "The 
truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth," was what 
they claimed and demanded, and they held in utter abhor^ 
rence, above all beasts of the field, a liar, and a "tricky in- 
triguer," who had everybody's business on hand, and had 
lost all his own out of the wallet. 

Politically, religiously, agriculturally, neighborly, the Dan- 
iel family were noted ibr firmness. They were either friends 
or foes. You knew just where to find them; no milk-and- 
cider transactions disgraced their homes. When they said 
Yes, it meant business; when they said No, the earth could 
quake, but investigation honest only reversed the No. 

CHAPTEE II. 

While the old hemisphere was pouring her hardj' sons and 
fair daughters into the colony as early as 1732, there was a 
part of the Spanish possessions which, when Uncle Sam 
bought Louisiana from France, the invincible Bunker Hill- 
ians, full-blood Americans, claimed said Spanish claim as a 
part of that money's value. But Uncle Sam purchased 
Florida from Spain in 1819, and agreed to yield up this for- 
mer claim in toto to Spain. This claim was Texas, declared 
independent of Spain in 1821, resisted the Mexican authority 



6 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

in 1835, and bloodshed lasted from 1885 through 183h, and 
this year Texas delcared herself independent of Mexico. She 
became the " Lone Star State." In 1845, Texas was admitted 
among the sisters. 

Texas is hemmed in on the north b}- the Indian Territory 
and Arkansas; east, by Louisiana; south by the Gulf of 
Mexico and Mexico, and west by New Mexico. This " Lone 
Star" is situated between 25° and 35° latitude, and 90° and 
105° longitude, and before telegraphs, steamboats, cars, and 
fast travelling came in fashion, manj- a man found himself to 
wake up in Texas for no other excuse than " killing his man,'' 
or " sticking a bowie in his neighbor ;" and some would be 
so unfortunate as to carry westward a " a rope, with a fine 
horse to one end." Some neighbor had lost some choice 
hogs; the hides having been found by some modern Colum- 
bus too near his house, so he. not willing to disturb the peace, 
chose to cross the great " Father of VVaters," and rest in the 
balmy bowers of the wide, wild State of Texas. So grew 
this spirit of leaving between " two suns," that when a miss- 
ing neighbor was inquired after, the pert, invariable answer 
rose up as naturally as for a crow to pull up corn, " He's gone 
to Texas ! " 

This naturally filled up a part of this new-born State with 
hardy men — pioneers — just the men to grapple to the hilt 
with Comanches, Sioux, Osage, and the more civilized and de- 
ceitful Mexicans. A word — a knife — derringer, revolver — 
a stab, a cracking report — a yell, a groan — a dead man — was 
the result of a trivial offense. Hence, border-men, highway- 
men, cutthroats, were dreaded as " Banko's Ghost." And for 
a man to take the " lie," and not " kill his man," was a 
grievous oversight, and could be atoned for only by immediate 
repentance, and acknowledgment to the " congregation blood- 
thirsty^ " of intentions to " do better in day's to come." Of 
course, feuds arose. Sometimes from the same neighborhood 
east, some friendly breeze of mis doing would drive the 
heads of families — or younger heroes — to the same neighbor- 
hood west, and that because of no communication — for when 
once out of a county east, you had as well look for a knitting- 
needle in a hay-stack. " Safe — safe," could be inscription, 
subscription, superscription. Sometimes, however, a "friend 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 7 

of the dead man " would push his way westward, and, in fell 
encounter, meet and avenge past injuries. Generally, however, 
these feuds were confined to families, and, sad to chronicle, ended 
with death all around. 

One must suffice here in this little history. From 1840 to 
1852, at which time the California gold-fever raged, family 
settlements paid off in "bloody issue" at daggers' points and 
muzzles of old deer-rifles, were common in the West, and 
more especially in Texas. In the Western part of Louisiana, 
verging upon Eastern Texas, lived the Eose family, and the 
Scott and Potter families. Eose was wealthy ; so was Scott, 
and leaned over to Eose. Potter was a good liver — firm and 
Csegar-like. They went to work to " kill out." One morning 
Potter came to Eose's with " his band," and Eose ordered his 
faithful old darkies to " pile brush on him." So Potter's band 
passed within ten feet of the brush-pile where they covered 
their old "massa" with heavy twigs, which he was more 
•contented to bear than the looks, curses, and leaden presents 
of Potter. They went off disheartened. JSText morning, Eose 
and Scott, thinking " one good turn richly deserves another," 
went over to pay Sir Potter a visit. Coming up, Potter 
thought distinguished guests should be saluted, opened fire, 
and fled to the Lake Caddo, into which he plunged, and met 
his death by a double-barrelled gun in the hands of Scott. 
Soon all perished from the earth, while religion, society, ed- 
ucation made wiser and nobler men of their children. But 
it required time and experience to remove the then difficulties 
from our land. 

But society is not built up in a day. " Kill and run off," 
" catch and hang," will not mould a pretty-faced society ev- 
ery time we try it on. Murder, killing, depriving of life is 
not to be winked at. What would become of our dear moth- 
ers, sisters, daughters, our hoary-headed sires, if murder is 
allowed to walk demon-like over our country, while no one 
dares say, "What doest thou?" But first comes the rifle to 
to guard, drive back inhumanity, and prepare the way for the 
axe, to cut down giant oaks, tall pines, and thus prepare the 
way for the saddle-bags with the Bible — God's blessed Book 
— to guide our weary spirits from the valley of tears to the 
j-egions of unclouded light and glory; teaching us to do our 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

own business ; to labor ; to love our neighbor as ourselves ; 
and as far as possible, to live peaceably with all men. Some 
men you cannot live peaceably with, or in hearinsr of. When 
a good-meaning, industrious, church-respecting man is en- 
trapped by one of these, and is compelled to do what he 
regrets, we must not "hang him!" A man may do a deed 
in five minutes that eternity must reconcile; but that act 
must be weighed in the balance of justice. Justice does not 
allow a man to undermine his quiet neighbor — to net him 
into secret injury to the general government. In early days 
in the West, a man named Hudson, 60 years old, went to a 
little village to sell vegetables. A large desperado, drinking, 
said, " 1 will whip this old cuss with my cow-hide." " Don't 
whip an old man," said Mr. Hudson. " No begging here, 
you old rusty cuss; I will make your damned back smart! " 
" If you whip me, you will cause me to do what I would not 
do for all worlds," said the old man. " No threats, old cod- 
ger; your back must pay the forfeit. This cow-hide will 
just fit your old gopher-looking back. What will you do, old 
pokesnipe?" He replied, "I will kill you just as sure as you 
whip me here, when I am attending to my own business, and 
never troubled you in my life." " Come out here, old feler," 
said the desperado, jerking the old man off the pavement^ 
and cruelly beating him with the hide. In accordance with 
true old South Carolina spirit, the old vegetarian went home, 
told his familj^ what was "■ up the creek," and that when 
" Gfreok meets Greek, then comes the Indian-hug." Gather- 
ing his clothing, drawing some " yellow boys " from the coffer 
of industry and honesty, stamping a parting luxury upon 
the cheeks of the wife of his youth, troubles, and joys ; em- 
bracing children that had lisped "Papa!" so often and so 
sweetly, reminding them of his duty and honor as a fatherr 
husband, neighbor, toward the beast that so cruelly scathed 
his quivering flesh, and would seek to gain mercy at law, 
beneath the pretense of intoxication, picked up a rifle gun^ 
Spencer's make, 7-shooter, marched right to town, accompa- 
nied by his son, in the veins of whom there flowed the reg- 
ular " chip of the old block." 

When he entered the village, the same beast-man wa& 
parading, Satan-like, looking for a fresh victim to his inhu- 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J, AND BUD DANIEL. 9 

manity. The old gardener, walking right up like a man of 
business, said, in plain terms, " Well, I will verify my asser- 
tion now. You abased me without mercy or consideration ; 
now 1 am compelled, by every claim of a father worthy to 
rear a progeny ; of a husband worthy to protect a wife — 1 
repeat to you, you inhuman specimen of flesh and blood, I 
am compelled to kill you now, and right now, so " — just then 
the infuriated, crazed wretch saw his condition, and reaching 
for his side-arms, moved his brawny hand beneath his coat 
saying, triumphantly, " Old cuss, I'll mix the game with " — 
but before he could finish up the proposition, a crack rang 
upon the evening air; the would-be bully leaped upward* 
blood spurting from his side, fell backward, gasped, drew up 
his guilty feet in death's cold sti-eam, swung out through 
Time's gates into Eternity — " dread words ! whose meaning 
has no end, no bounds ! " 

Father and son, well-mounted, left the disastrous scenes 
determined to inflict no further injury, and selected Arkansas 
as their favorite resort, free from "envy, scorn, and pride." 
But a posse soon organized in the rear, at home, followed 
them into their chosen haunts, and came one night where 
they had called for meals at noon. Eesting that night, they 
kept an eye skinned, and by early morn were in hot chase to 
" carry that mean old cuss back, to see he reaped a big hand- 
ful of justice." Mounting, they said thus to the kind land- 
lord : " We are strangers here, my friend, but we are on an 
errand of mercy. As good a man as ever the sbining-sun 
blazed upon was shot down like a hyena in the streets, by 
that old cowardly villain. His family cry to us to revenge 
the precious blood of father and husband. If we can take 
him alive, all well; but we will not be particular to hazard 
our own lives for the old skunk." But there are many slips 
between cup and lip. There were two boys on the plantation, 
one deaf, or near so, that made him appear crazed; but his 
brother, so much resembling him that distinction became 
difficult, slept in the same room with the " mercy-seekers." 
Said one gruff-looking seeker: "Do you think, Ephraim, we 
will be anywise likely to have a muss with old Hudson?' 

" Well, I'll tell you for true, Phil, I've bin dreadin' the case 
all day ; for that Ivy boy with him is a perfect fool, and can 



10 HAIR-BREAnTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

hit a flea's eye." " But do you reckin, Eph, the old blood- 
sucker will stand the racket ? That's what interests me just at 
this eand of the game, Eph." " Oh, shet your fly-trap, and 
1,^0 to sleep ; you may have to guard old Hud. to-morrow 
night," rejoined a younger seeker, over across the room, in 
bed with the so-called craz}^ boy, as they misjudged. " We'll 
be just as certain to be in time for him to-morrow morning 
by 10 o'clock as we live," replied a gankling young mountain 
hoosier, who seemed to lead this very honorable, jtraiseworth}"^ 
band, " You'd better not hatch too many fowls at one settin', 
nor count too fast before they pip their shells," put in Eph, 
expressive of doubt. " What searecrow, now, Eph," said Mr. 
Leader. " J^othin', oh, nothin'," said doubting Eph, "only 
I've known old Hudson 12 years, and he never bothered no- 
body, nuther ; but I heard him say, when they went to follow 
Bill Jenkins, for stickin' his Arkansaw tooth-pick in old 
George (xrimes' bo}', 'if ever 1 have to leave my country for 
misdemeanor, my friends had better stay at home!'" "Welb 
then, 'cordin' to your schoolin', we must jist sit down, tarra- 
pin-like and draw in our heads and horns, and let old Hud. 
kill good neighbors, go off" as leisni'ely as a deer in a walk, 
iind play shut-mouth, eh?" said Mr. Leader Merciful. " No, 
I've been huntin' him well as youens ; but old Hudson didn't 
bother Tom Scroggins when he got tight and cowhided him," 
said Eph, somewhat aroused at the act of whipping an inno- 
cent old man. '• Well, now, Eph, don't git chicken-hearted ; 
old Hud's hide was tough — he soon got over the smart; and 
when Tom got sobered up, he could have taken a horn with 
old Hud., and made things all square, and saved us the trou- 
ble of picking his hide with new-fashioned lancets, Eph.'' 
" Yes, but old man Hudson never teches a drop, they tell me, 
and is a good church-gwine man," coughed Eph. " Church- 
gwine man ! Sulphurdom is now crowded jam-full, and 
runnin' over, with jest sich church-gwine men ; and many 
old hypercrites carry a junk bottle in their sanctified pockets, 
that never tetch a drop, as you say, Eph ; and maybe Tom 
would never done so again — and he would be livin' now," 
ejaculated Mr. Leader. " Now, Cap, come right down to the 
truth, like a white-head. How would you tack sails, if a 
young-blooded American should get too full of Injun's fire- 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OP R, J. AND BUD DANIEL. 11 

water, and stripe your liide like a lizzard, when j-ou was 
walking peaceably along, botherin' nobody, and" — before 
Ephraira could finish his warm sentence, " I'd shoot a hole 
through him that old beave' could jump through," growled 
old Cap, somewhat aroused. "Well, Cap, old Hudson and 
Jack, if the}^ are together, and that woman said two gentle- 
men dined here to-day — shore as 3'ou ai'e horned, she did — 
they are honest as you or me, and will be jist as likel}" to 
fight like wildcats ; and that boy will fight his weight in 
wildcats — or tame uns, either — and fur ten dollai-s you can 
fling in a young panter." "Oh, ho! Eph, you forgit the 
reward, my tender-hearted soldier; that's what's in my eye, 
my buck — them .$1,500!" "You may get a bullet in your 
eye. Cap, long before you git money in it. You'd better 
move careful in the mornin', 1 tell you. Cap ! " 

The conversation ended; off to sleep they hied, and out 
of bed went the supposed "crazy boy." Just across the hill^ 
about one-half mile, he tapped at the door of a neat-looking 
hut, when click! click! went two hammers, and out on the 
floor light kindled in a flash, and " Tell your business, mighty 
quick, or you eat breakfast where there's no winter," echoed 
from within. "I am Joel ; want in, quick !" said the nephew 
of Hudson. In less time than ten minutes, father and son 
took in the situation — knew the leader and his six men, and 
ordering a hasty cup of coffee, left the house, and. plunging 
into the forest, were lost in darkness. 

Day soon dawned, a gentle rain falling. The pursuers 
started on their mission. About one mile from the house of 
the landlord is a canyon — narrow, rocky, and apparently 
formed for some strong fortress, against which winds, rains, 
thunder may blow, and dash, and roar in vain. Into this 
narrow pass, admitting two wagons to pass, the elated, mer- 
ciful, reward-loving crew ventured, and soon commenced* 
"Old Hud,, come out; let's see your hide: let's look at your 
hands; we've bracelets for them: we want paj' for our fid- 
dling, old chap." These words rang out like taunting jestS) 
but about one hundred paces in front, and in a ledge 100 feet 
above the main road, were two men who could say: 

" For I nij'^self, like yon, have been distressed, 
Till Heaven afforded me this place of rest: 
Like you, an alien in a land luikuown, 
1 learn to pity woes so like my own." 



12 HAIR BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

The father and son, seeing the time near, could only say, 
" Doth the infuriate and invidious demon call me, like another 
Job. unto the combat?" Cocking their Spencer rifles, raising 
gently when their heartless pursuers vvere in the full range, 
when, lo! ' 

"On his lii^h scene, Misenins sounds t'rom far 
The brazen trnmp, the signal of the war: 
With unaccustomed llight, we flew to shiy 
The forms ol^scene, dread monsters of the sea." 

Horse and rider staggered — reeled — fell — and in one min- 
ute — short space indeed — Spencer rifles, in that narrow 
gague, had laid, weltering in gore, those seveti men. 

CONCLUSION. 

Night is not darker than the dark day that then overhung 
that pleasant retreat in the towering cliff's of Northern 
Arkansas. But what to do with Hudson and son was the 
intricate problem upon the black-board of State, county, and 
community. People had a desire for justice: but what is 
justice? In the darkness that overshadowed them, they 
walked at random ; they had an aim, they were conscious 
there was something to seek after; but they groped about, 
"if haply tbey mischt feel ntXer justice, and find it." He who 
bore the shameful Cross has taught erring mortals that we 
may expect persecution, reviling, and ail manner of evil ; 
that our lives are to be blameless, and we ourselves acquiesce 
in the will of Ciod. Every child of Clod must not only hold 
himself ready to wear, if necessary, the martyr's crown, but 
he must also lead a holy and consistent life. Now, if you 
can induce all men to become Christians in life, we will dis- 
pense with prisons, but until then, you must do justice to 
Hudson : Justice, in spite of regret, will clear. 



CHAPTEE 111 

The seventh of the Southwestern States is Arkansas, and 
this sister joined hand and heart in 1836. 

Formerly a part of the Missouri Territory, it struggled for 
freedom, and in 1819 was set out to housekeeping as a separ- 
ate inclosure — in the memorable 1836, when Texas was writh- 
ing beneath Spanish torture, Arkansas was joyfully received 
as a State. 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 13 

Arkansas lies in latitude 32|"' to about 37", and longitude 
90° and 95°; while it is bounded, North by Missouri, East 
by Tennessee and Mississippi, West by the Indian Territory 
and Texas, South by Louisiana. 

The Arkansas river winds majestically through the State, 
while the White river poui-s its resistless tide from North to 
South, emptjnng into the father of waters. 

Low and marshy lands extend along the Missippi; the North- 
western part is crossed by the Ozark mountains. The soil 
is generally fertile, producing cotton and corn as the j^rinci- 
pal productions. The Capital is called Little Eock — situated 
very pleasantly on the Arkansas river. 

The seventh President of the United States was General 
Jackson — known as "old Hickory Jackson,'' of Tennessee. 
He was inaugurated March 4, 1*^29, and was a victory over 
Adams and Clay, of the Whig party. The party which elected 
Andrew Jackson was now quietly enrolled as Democrats. 
Hurrah for Democracy and Cleveland ! is now shouted from 
mountain top to deepest chasm. 

In 1832 Jackson again occupied the presidential chair, and 
in 1835 a very cruel war broke out with the Seminole Indians 
called the Florida war. The start of this vexatious affair 
seems to have been an attempt by the United States govern- 
ment to remove the red men to the east of the Pacific, and 
"west of the Missippi." In 1837 Osceola was captured, and 
in December 1837 Col. Zachary Taylor outwitted the redskins 
at Lake Okehobee, in Florida, but in 1842 peace was made, and 
"off they balanced, and sashayed all" for Indian Territory, ly- 
ing in latitude 33° to 36° ; longitude 95° to lOO'' ; lies west of 
Arkansas and north of Texas — the Eed Fork and Canadian 
rivers flow through this Territory from west to east. 

Long years intervene between those days of struggle for life 
and refinement to rid the country of Shem's prototype, who 
were to lazy to work, or, in clearer phrase, "were born tired," 
and too "proud to beg." So remote and so changed — we can 
only faintly enter into strict justice — or credit the proceed- 
ings resulting from an excuse to remove "Dingy Eed Skins." 

No electric messenger — no beautiful palaces on great rivers, 
no flying coaches carried lightning speed by that fretful "Iron 
Horse" ; but long, weary roads, ox wagons, few schools, and 



l4 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

fewer pupils, and the regular old black hickory as a stand- 
ing premium for "bad lessons," a cross-road grog shop, a 
treat, a fight, a knock down, drag out, cut, stab, shoot, and — 
and what? Why, run West ; run to "Arkansaw," as it was 
called. Crime increased with population — and, ere long, 
many had checked their baggage by way of between "Sun- 
down and day," for the wild country, as it was unceremoni- 
ously dubbed. Will the present improved generation think 
of this? 

Passing through Mississippi, plunging into dismal swamps 
of the Mississippi bottom — cane, bears, panthers, howling 
wolves, hooting owls, roaring cataracts, all inviting onward 
as guarantee against the avenger of blood. Eeaching the 
sparsely settled districts of Arkansaw, they began, some in 
Chicot, about Lake Village ; others in Desha, about Winches- 
ter, others, in Phillips, about Helena, Then more doubtful 
of security, or eager to be at ease in conscience, or gain 
wealth and a home to raise their children in the fear of Heav- 
en, where also their atrocities would never come to light. 
But that would never succeed, for a certain good Primitive 
Baptist minister, it is related, weary of his calling, or doubt- 
ing his high commission, said within himself, "1 am not a 
true branch of the vine ; 1 am no sheep, 1 cannot preach with 
becoming zeal ; therefore 1 will act the old prophet pay my 
fare from Joppa to Tarshish — 1 will not steal a ride and go 
away off where tidings can never echo that 1 was a preacher 
back yonder in Georgia, (I believe it was)." But poor delu- 
ded soul ! Two men accompanied, but one day the roads 
forked, and he said: "Gentlemen, you must go right or left 
one, for I want.no one to know 1 am a preacher " 

"We won't ever hint, even a teenty smell, that you are an 
oflSciating clergyman. But you've done nothing to blush for, 
why be afraid?' said his company in travel. 

"Well, I just don't want it once named that 1 ever entered 
the Sacred Desk. ]Sow, if you will plight that seci*ecy in this 
matter be maintained inviolate, you, as good boys can jour- 
ney with me." 

Accordingly they halted, near a church house, for dinner. 
The righteous man, charmed by music, went in — occupied a 
rear seat A dignified young servant of the meek and lowly 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 15 

Jesus soon arose and said : "I feel discouraged — words are 
gone — but there's some one here with words !" 

The face of Bro. Refugee paled as a sheet. "My Dear Audi- 
ence," resumed the man of God, I would unfold to your long- 
ing vision, the beauties of Christianity — but, like Nebuchad- 
nezzer's dream, the thing is gone from me ; but there is a 
spokesman present — I know it — 1 feel it — thou do all things 
well." At this cutting reproof, Bro. E. stepped slowly out, 
saying "here's Jonah." Then, to his honor, be it said, a bet- 
ter sermon never fell from his lips. 

Turning over to the book of books, we find that "For with 
what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged ; and with what 
measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.'" The 
treatment we give or mediate to others, God will give us- 
Each of us holds a measuring rod, more powerfub than the 
magic wand of mercury, more wonderful than the staff of 
Moses, that confounded the wise men of Egypt. The wand 
of mercury had no power over the superior gods ; but this, 
(with reverence be it spoken), seems to influence the Great 
Jehovah ; for just as we treat him will he treat us. In time 
of health and prosperity we set at naught his counsel, and 
will have none of his reproof, he will also laugh at our ca- 
lamity, and mock when our fear cometh. — Prov. 1:25-26. 

The mischief-maker, who is constantly devising evil for 
others, is ever in trouble himself. "Whoso diggeth a pit shall 
fall therein; and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon 
him.— Prov. 26-27. 

"The heathen are sunk down into the pit that they made; 
in the net which they hid is their own foot taken. "--Psalm 9:15^ 

"A false witness shall not go unpunished, and he that speak- 
eth lies shall not escape. — Proverbs 19:5. So with men of 
blood — they are almost invariably made to fill bloody graves. 

"Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their 
days."— Psalm 55:23. 

"Murder will out" is a proverb. 

Sacred and profane history cry out for retributive justice. 
Jacob lied to his father and defrauded his brother of his heri- 
tage. Jacob's sons deceived him — Laban changed his wage* 
ten times, his daughter seduced, and Eachel drew up hei- 
feet in the icy waves of death. "The dogs shall eat Jezebel 



16 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OP R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

by the wall of Jezreel," was fulfilled to the very letter. The 
Jews sold our Saviour for the price of a slave, and went fet- 
tered into slavery. 

Profane historj'^ speaks. Pope Alexander VI., prepared a 
poisoned jar of sweet-meats, with which to destroy Cardinal 
Cornetto. He ate of them himself and died miserably. Louis, 
successor of Charlemagne, put his nephew to death, but was 
rewarded by unnatural children and a loss of power. Anne 
Boleyn encouraged Henry VIII., but ended her joys upon the 
headsman's block. Great Generals, men of blood, how do 
they die? Alexander, from drunkenness, went down in 
night. Hannibal destroyed himself by poison. Caesar fell 
beneath the daggers of his former friends in the Senate 
house of Kome. Napoleon died in his fifty-second year. 
Charles XII was killed by a cannon ball. Francisco Pizzaro 
died by the hands of wretches as pitiless as himself. But 
go to Danton, Murat and Robespierre. One beheaded, an- 
other stabbed by a woman, and Robespierre hung. Go to 
Inventors. The guillotine takes its name from the man who 
contrived and lost his head by it. The blow which closed 
the eyes of Capt Bowie, the inventor of the Bowie knife, was 
given with his own knife. 

We have now called on sacred and profane histor}', and 
the experience of mankind to confirm the declaration of Him 
"who spake as never man spoke." "For with what judgment 
ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." We have seen 
the bloody cut off in the midst of his days. We have seen 
the traitor betrayed. Wc have seen the slanderer of the rep- 
utation of others lose their own and die in infamy. We have 
seen the destroyer and the desolator of countries himself ru- 
ined and left desolate. We have seen the tyrant oppressed, 
and the overthrower of dynasties himself overthrown. 
There is this radical difference, however, between the ap- 
proval of the true christian and that of the followers of false 
creeds ; the christian only approves when God or His ap- 
pointed delegates measure out the punishment. The hea- 
then have ever claimed the right to retaliate wrongs themselves. 
In the one case it is retributive justice, in the other it is ven- 
geance. Our Saviour once said, "Ye have heard that it hath 
been said, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,"— Matt. 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J AND BUD DANIEL. 17 

5:38. The Lex talioni's or law of like for like — the punish- 
ment to be in all respects similar to the offence, is in this 
saying. 

This law obtained among the Jews, and the Greeks and 
Eomaus. So congenial is it to the ideas of natural justice, that 
it has ever been found in rude states of society, and is at this- 
hour practiced everywhere among savage and untutored na- 
tions. Under the name of reprisals, it has been acknowledged 
and sanctioned by writers on international law. 

One able writer sa,js: "This leads us to speak of a kind of 
retortion sometimes practiced in war, under the name of re- 
prisals. If a general of the enemy has, without any just rea- 
son, caused some prisoners to be hanged, a like number of his 
men, and of the same rank, will be hung up, signifying to 
him that his retaliation will be continued to oblige him to ob- 
serve the laws of war." — Vatted, Book III, Chap. 8. In ac- 
cordance with these principles, retaliation has been almost 
recognized as a part of international law. During the siege 
of Londonderry, the besieged erected a gallows on the bastion 
and threatened to hang all their prisoners, in i-etaliation for 
the cruelties of the inhuman Hosen. — McCauley's Eng. vol. 
3, p. 208. After the execution of Col. Hay ne and other south- 
ern patriots. General Green was induced by his officers to 
hang a British officer for every American similarly treated 
by the enemy. General Washington might have been induc- 
ed to pardon Major Andre, had not the army and the coun- 
try regarded the execution of that oflScer as a proper retalia- 
tion for the death of Capt. Nathan Hale. 

General Jackson himself threatened to make reprisals upon 
the French merchant marine. Alexander the Great justi- 
fied the invasion of Persia as an act of merited retribution for 
the invasion of Greece by Xerxes. Hannibal plead the 
wrongs inflicted by Eome upon Carthage to justify his inva- 
sion of Italy. Alison stLjs: "Napoleon constantly professed 
his desire for peaee, and declared that all his invasions of for- 
eign territory were forced upon him, to retaliate for the treach- 
ery and implacability of the enemies of his throne and his 
people-" 

The lex talionia belongs then to God and in His providence, 
and may be properly delegated by Him to the civil magis- 
2 



18 T-TAIR-TiKEADTlI ESCAPES OP R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

trates and executive officerB ; but when acted upon by an in- 
dividual in his private capacity, it becomes vengeance, and 
-araogates the prerogative of Grod himself. "Vengeance is 
•mine, I will repay, saith the Lord." 

What a glorious land we have! if men would follow the 
good old Golden Eule. But alas ! how many good meaning, 
honest, temperate men have been induced by ill- designing 
tnortals — not regarding men nor fearing God. How many 
good heads of families — beneath the injuries, threats and pas- 
sionate contumely of evil men are now outlawed, happiness 
blighted, and family relations sundered forever. Will our 
Governors give the grave subject the weighty consideration 
'duei, and where rewards have gone out, call them in — no lon- 
ger patronize lex ialionis — but give justice and mercy fair play; 
say to poor and friendless wanderers, "We can, in justice, for- 
give, return to the hearts of your countrymen and of your 
families." 



CHAPTEPt IV. 

Between Georgia and Arkansas there has ever been a true 
spirit of kindred endearment. So when the Redskins were car- 
ried beyond the flood, emigrants were as numerous as pigeons 
all alive to the inevitable watchword since Nimrod, the great 
hunter before the Lord, founded his Babylonian government 
eastward from fair Eden — •' Ho! to the West!" 

The West was inviting, sure enough, with her broad pla- 
teaus, to\'\ering cliffs, enduring pastures of grass and cane, 
winding luountain streamlets, deer, bears, elk, turkeys^ and 
the nimble squirrel leaping from twig to spray, while hogs 
could live upon acorns, sheep and goats and cattle and horses 
fare sumptuously every day. Added to this, good neighbors, 
water, health and climate — who can raise even one censure 
toward emigrating to Arkansas? Simply no sane mind. We 
justly suppose that no part of Georgia can boast of more 
heavy contributions of precious families to Arkansas than 
can Walton, Gwinnett, Oconee, Forsyth, and Jackson coun- 
ties. Jackson countj^ is bounded north by Hall, east by 
Banks and Madison, south by Clarke and Oconee, while Wal- 
ton, Gwinnett and Forsyth liajig so majestically toward the 
west and south west. 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 1 9 

The Oconee and Mulberry rivers wind slowly throiigh the 
garden-spot of Georgia, affording coveted mill-power, and 
bottom-lands second to none ; while Jefferson, standing out 
like a giant guard upon a hill, is the lovely county site, 
where men are brought to justice — punished, if found really 
guilty ; but cleared — acquitted, if found innocent. Jefferson 
is a poor section for deadbeats to build nests. Every mnn 
about this fair haven is an honest man — wants his own — wii 1 
have it, too — and is not scared at owl -hoots. In days now 
buried beneath the debris of bellum hate — strife between the 
Blue and the Gray — this section was agitated by, and also 
did agitate " very muchly," the good old song of " Here comes 
the Ku Klux!" This body of brethren were as necessary as 
bread and meat, or, even air itself, in this part of the moral 
vineyard. Some men concluded, because " Lee surrendered,'' 
the boys " surrendered all the sense, pluck, honor, vim, and 
other excellences;" but, as the clown said, "there's where 
they made a mistake." We were like the Irishman and the 
buzzard. Poor Pat, who was a little too far along with good 
old rye, laid himself gently down, at full length, by the way- 
side, to dream of " Blissed Erin, where no saints can bite, bj* 
Saint Patrick," when a fiat, revolution-looking buzzard 
spread out his liberty-flapping pinions, and was soon at Pat's 
feet, eyeing him narrowly. Upon Pat's breast he plants his 
inhuman footsteps, when friendly Pat, somewhat conscious of 
intrusion, looked up, saw Mr. Vulture in the very aci of pick- 
ing out one eye, and said, in his own pleasant vernacular, 
"Be Halafiix, me partner, not kwite so fai-st. if ye plaze ; I'se 
not so dead as ye suppose. Jist bide yer time, ye black divi! 
■of the hawse guards !" 

Just so with the boys who had stood for four long years 
beneath the battle-flag, to save our country from baseness. 
The good old darkies behaved, but some who wanted " forty 
acres and a mule," and a hog or two to boot, were fit students 
for the secret lodge down in Oconee bottom, and elsewhere. 
Over the South we are one, as the fourth of March, for Cleve- 
land's great, big chair at the White House will demonstrate- 
A good stirrup-leather — a piece of leather about one inch 
wide, or wMder, if necessary, and a piece of wood tacked on 
and put snugly in the hands of some brawny farmer, make 



20 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

Brudder Bones clean out fence corners, raise cotton, corn,, 
peas, potatoes, hogs — in short, something to eat, and would 
do more toward developing the resources of our great nation 
than all the emotions, desires for "40 aci-es and a mule," that 
have been " hatched out " since Eobert E. handed over his 
cheese-knife under the apple-tree way up in "Ole Virginny." 

We want the colored man to have his rights: but he has 
no right to sauce, frown at, grow impudent toward the pure 
old Caucasian, of superior blood and race. So many times 
the K. K. K. would visit them in the cool air of night, to keep 
from bothering them in work hours; and oftentimes poor 
men could afford to give him the little pittance of 30 well- 
laid-on " stirrup rectifiers," with the promise to "give him 
more, as soon as paid off." 

Jackson county boys had many hair-breadth escapes- 
hand-to-hand encounters, and always came out with colors 
flying, all right for " Dixie and Uncle Sam." Statesmen have 
first seen the light here, that have shaken the continent, and 
sent a wave of influence beyond the deep. Some of the bright- 
est scholars of the age studied here — physicians, lawyers) 
agriculturists, warriors, — yes, to the very catinon's fiery 
mouth, walked Jackson's, Clarke's, Oconee's, Walton's, For- 
Bj'th's boys, when the trumpet rang to 

" Call the brave metal to see 

Dread havoc of men, called so ; 
While wives and children, to be free. 

Said, Husbands, go! yes, ever go!" 

Toombs and Hill, Yancey, Steijhens — all brave statesmen 
officials, proud monuments of undying glory for Georgia. 
Among the others, was the Daniel family — solid, sober, brave, 
and very forgiving. Then comes the Potts family, one of 
distinction, energy, and worth. The Daniels were peculiarly 
honest and true-hearted men. Jack Daniel was the grandson 
of the good old patriot — pure-hearted, forgiving, laboring te 
advance social, moral, and political interests; ever alive to 
sympathy, his latch-string hung outside, while no "unfed 
beggar ever went tottering from his door." Easilj' entreated^ 
he was given to reason ; but, insults aggravated, he never 
asked his neighbors, nor called in battalions to aid him in- 
resenting, always deeming it his paramount duty and first. 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 21 

privilege to attend to his own special business. A man of 
few words — ever pointed, pregnant with meaning, and every 
syllable to be depended on, as if he had raised his right hand 
before the ordinary. Inculcating righteous principles, ever 
impressing truth, honor, and manliness as necessary modifi- 
cations in the chief structure of life's great sentence. To 
return compliments, to resist evil, when necessary, was part 
and parcel of his cherished reputation. 

His two grandsons. Jack and Bud, as we shall introduce 
them, had for grandfathers Kussell Daniel and Wilkins Hay- 
nie. These men were peculiar. Wilkins Haynie had an 
aversion to negroes and slavery, keeping even white chickenH 
— everything white, even their conversation, conduct, charac- 
ter, all white — teaching their children and grandchildren to 
hold up their heads, if they died hard ; to draw honei^t 
breath; live in peace, loving good men: hospitable, charita- 
'ble to the letter, and guarding vigilantly the words of their 
mouth. " Let your word, my lads, be your bond," was a fre- 
quent, solemn admonition from the now-closed-forover lips of 
those good old men, who lived right, died right, and will 
" stand with glory wrapt around," when the startling trump 
shall wake*up the pale denizens of the 8j)irit-land. 

One peculiarity among these men — "giants in those days'' 
— was wrestling, jumping, foot-racing, and match shooting- 
The old men, on the Daniel side, were acknowledged marks 
men, and all faces turned ashy when the announcement- 
" Daniel will shoot," was sounded. Even to this daj', their 
skill is coveted, and "O that I could shoot as grandpa!" i.s 
shouted. 

CHAPTER V. 

Russell Daniel and Wilkins Haynie gathered friends and 
reputation of the right stripe, and soon their children married 
into the first-class, tip-top families of Jackson and adjacent 
counties. Jackson Daniel became enamoured with Miss L u- 
^jcjiidq, PqUs, a lovely, gentle girl, whose life was purity, whose 
smile was sincerity, whose whole early life was worthy of 
imitation. An idol at home, admired by many anxious woo- 
ers, all pleading at her shrine to pass with her through life's 
•chequered scenes, to bind up broken hearts, to sustain droop- 



'I'A HAIR BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

ing heads; cultivated in the garden of adorn nieut and quiet- 
ness, and of great colloquial powers ; enchanting as a fairy- 
queen ; possessing those lofty moral attainments which en- 
deared her to home, and rendered her so lovely and attractive 
to young Jack's heart. And now she sleeps in the quiet city 
of the dead, with glory on her brow, clad in the habiliments 
of burning glory, a crown of glory flashing and blazing on 
her sinless head; her feet walking streets of burnished gold, 
her voice and smile on earth stilled forever. Yet vivid ta 
Jack is the smiles she beamed, when, about fifteen years ago» 
she took his hand with that tenderness that woman only can 
show, and impressed the untarnished, indellible kiss with 
such purity, innoceace and resignation as angel lips alone 
can stamp, avowing eternal allegiance to him, to be her lover 
husband, protector, while life's lamp should glimmer on the 
verge of time. 

Jack and Lucinda walked slowly up the narrow aisle in 
front of the tasty cottage on the hill, while in the west 
glowed the heavens with tinge of gold, a gentle breeze mur- 
mured among the tall pines that grace our hills, and the elm& 
that beautify our vales, listening ever and anon to the bird 
of Paradise chanting some melodious lay, calling-old remem- 
brance"up — fit scenery for hearts baptized in heaven's endur- 
ing element of love. " Hail, holy love ! thou word that 
sums all bliss, gives and receives all bliss, fullest when most 
thou givest! Spring-head of all felicity, deepest when most 
is drawn ! Emblem of God ! O'erflowing most when greatest 
numbers drink !" 

Jack, looking up, as if from deepest reverie, said, while a 
wave of hope and fear seemed to dash the cold mists of bitter 
fate over his youthful spirit, " Lucinda, I saw in my dreams 
last night, us to stand by a Western river, all happy, the blue 
sky above, the shimmering torch-lights of glory burning in the 
trackless fields of glory, the monuments of grandeur near us, 
while on their tops of thunder-smitten brows beamed the 
light of Luna's ray; and while standing all alone, I felt in- 
clined, in my innermost soul, to be thine, and as I stood 
speechless, for my lips were sealed, I thought I awoke ; you 
were gone. Now, dearest idol of my affections, 'pure as the 
drops that hang at dawning time, on yonder willows bj' the 



HAIR BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 'Jo 

Stream of life,' will you be that fair one to cheer my life, and 
shed lustre on darkest moments, when leaden grief lows down 
the spirit; may 1 then look up to thee, to find hope's star 
reflect its azure splendor on the chilly waves of despondency? 
Say, hope of my existence, may 1 cherish this one — only one 
hope?" 

He turned away, for pallor clouded his face, while shook 
his frame with emotion ; but the fair form, loving smile, gen- 
tle tone, were all the same. " Too pure for coquetry, too fond 
for idle scorning," while holy thoughts, like pure incense, 
burned on the sanctified altar, she took his hand, and, as if a 
burning spirit from lambent glory had echoed, said, in melt- 
ing tenderness, while her deep black eyes, like celestial glo- 
ries, beamed with love's unsullied lustre, " Jack, you love me 
I am aware. Your noble mien, gentility, pedigree, honor 
and untiring industry, together with your antecedents, which, 
like an open page, lie out before me, all demand candor. I 
am thine, dear Jack, henceforth, and ray constant endeavor 
shall be to enhance mutual happiness and prosperity. May 
you never regret your 'Yes,' dear Jack, nor tremble at the 
issue, but may we glide together down the stream, waiting 
for the boatman, and not walk death's dark valley alone, but 
leaning on the strong faith in goodness, " Pass wider the rod, 
and anchor in the part called heaven, where the gold doth 
never rust ! " 

This interview ended, Lucinda Potts became, b}^ virtue of 
the authority of Heaven and the State of Georgia, Mrs. 
Lucinda Daniel, of Jackson Couaty, Georgia. 



CHAPTEK VI. 

Crossing the majestic " Father of Waters," the eye is lost 
in wonder, while the ear seems to drink in, as it were, strange 
sounds. The traveler seems really in grounds enchanted. 
Passing over the broad and wonderful river that has rolled 
its countless volumes of water into the raging gulf, we en- 
counter bewitching scenery upon the White and St. Prancis, 
Arkansas and Washita rivers, and out west from Little Eock 
we come upon the Eden of America, in the counties of 
Yell, Perry, Saline, Garland, Hot Springs, and last, but not 
least, Montgomery county. Here rise Eich Mountain, Buck 



24 HAIR-BREA^^TH ESCAPES OP R. J. AND BUD DANIET,. 

Knob, and here rolls Cedar Creek, and the beautiful and rest- 
less Washita. Near its shores are Dallas, McKinne}', Cediir 
Glades, Mountain Glen, and away on down, Columbus. Up 
north we find Long Creek, Nimrod, North Point, Blocker, 
Bland's, Brazil's, and in Montgomery county, Mount Ida, 
Crystal Springs, vSilver City ; while below are the fabulous 
Hot Springs, while 100 miles away, on the proud-flowing 
Arkansas, is the worth}'- capital. Little Eock. 

Cedar Creek, and the beautiful silver streamlets that nour- 
iish this garden-spot, fairest of earth, together with the 
charming Washita, are worthy of the region that thej^ tra- 
verse. The world has looked on amazed at the development 
of this new empire of the American West. Its growth has 
been as wonderful as its own vastness and resources. Its 
grand valleys and plains, which, scarce!}' a generation ago, 
were almost as much an unknown land as the shores of Zam- 
bezi or Ngami, have sprung into civilization, population, 
prosperity and power, like the creation of an omnipotent 
enchanter. In the olden times, such growth, such progress, 
fluch marvellous settlement and development of regions so 
vast and so remote, would have been impossible. 

All the sublimest glories of the Swiss and Italian Alps, all 
the pictui'esque savagerj- of the Tyrol, and all the softer 
bautics of Ivillarne}' and Como and Naples, dwindle to insig- 
nificance b}' comparison with the stupendons scenes that meet 
the gaze at every turn in Montgomery County: vast peaks, 
whose crowns, often whitened, then verdant, far above where 
storms and torrents roar; chasms so profound that their 
yawning depths seem glimpses of the bottomless caverns 
where Plutonian shadows walk and Titians strive ; cataracts, 
whose crystal floods dissolve to snowy foam and spray long 
before they strike the rocky basin's dizzy distance below. It 
is a land of giant crags and fathomless abysses, carved by 
unending ages of whirlpools and eddies ; a laud of cloud- 
wreathed heights and awful depths ; of whirling waters; of 
rocks and tumbling streams and flj'ing spray. Kainbows 
cast their glittering coronets around the mountains' lofty 
brows, and radiant irises dance in many a romantic gorge. 

KussELL Daniel and Wilkins Haynie were not gifted in 
roving, but in 1870 the 3'outhful pair of lovers, Jack and 
Lucinda J)aniel, deeming it expedient to strike upon Time's 
anvil while the n-on was hot, and take the tide in the affairs 
ut life at its flood, thus leading on to fortune, carefullv hus- 



HAIRBREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 2o 

banding their resources, summoning dear hearts to witness 
their exit, lett fair Georgia's old-fashioned haunts for the 
glorious West. Manj' were the tears from pure fountains, 
and heartrending sobs burst from pious friends and relatives, 
and well-wishes whose name was legion, when it was an- 
nounced, "The train is coming; get readj^, Jack and Lu- 
ciuda!" Then came the sad farewell. Son, brother, friend, 
daughter, angel child, schoolmates, devoted children, faro- 
well! May God's grace follow you to your new homes in 
the distant West, abide with you and your dear children 
along life's dusty, grief-beaten track, and anchor your young 
hearts safely in the haven of eternal repose!" A wave of 
the kerchief, a motion of the hand, a smile, a tear, and the 
"iron horse" was panting on his track, whirling them to- 
ward the home in Saline County, Arkansas. 

" Jack and Lucinda will carry health, peace, and, abore all, 
a good conscience, honor, and a legacy of pious precepts, and 
with the sublunary comforts lavished by kind hands, the}' 
will make their mark in this cold, uncertain world," said an 
old patriarch, as the car wheeled around the curve, and was 
lost sight of forever, as far as dear, pure, devoted and idolized 
Lucinda was implicated in the rolls of fate. 

" Yes, dear children," sobbed a lovely mother ; " they have 
been tutored right. No stain cleaves to their sinless hearts : 
we all know them — their life is an open page to us all." 

" Nothing low, mean and groveling in Jack Daniel !" said 
a man from the wood-yard, yet wearing beneath his rough 
apparel a heart of sympathy and words of truth. 

'• I've been with Jack ever since he was cradled," said a 
gentleman of the legal persuasion, " and can positively assert, 
without fear of an appeal, that in Jack Daniel is nobility, 
honor, truth and industry ; therefore, in company with such 
endowments as grace Mrs. Daniel, success is inevitable." 

Saline County soon sheltered our young lamented Jack 
and Lucinda. Bud Daniel also cast his lot, for weal or woe, 
true to the hilt, with the young lovers. But times change, 
and with them men and women change climates. What suits 
A. will not please Bro. B. Jack had, by some hook of the 
crook, learned of a fertile vale about fifty miles west of Saline 
County, up in Montgomery County ; hence, he picked up his 
wonted resolution, desiring to do all that couched within 
honest scope for his family, and visited, with pure motives, 
the above described country There he found a transcendent 
panorama of all that is sublime and most gorgeous in rugged 
nature's handiwork ; a vast scene from enchanted land, eclips- 
ing all the wonders of Oriental fable, hushing the proudest 
landscape boasts of all the rest of creation, and defying all 
buman genius, with pen or brush, or pencil, to depict its 
■loveliness and its grandeur. 



26 HAIR- BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

" Bnd," said Jack, after gazing awhile on the scenery 
mapped before his ravished vision, "the sun in heaven, in 
his grand round, never looked down upon a more glorious 
realm ! " 

While Bud Daniel, wandering among its magnificent scen- 
ery, said most enthusiastically, 

"Where could our hearts with more reverence bow, 
What temple more grand than encircles us now, 
Wiiose roof is the heavens, whose floor is the sod, 
Whose walls are the mountains, whose builder is God ?" 



CHAPTEE VII. 

The scale turns — the curtain falls — the bell rings — and 
here, kind-hearted reader, is what was found at the foot- 
lights. 

Read it — weep j^ou will — to think that our night so merry — 
"such awful morn could rise." 

Will you be so hardhearted as to inquire into the meaning 
of this epistle, penned in the tragedy of blood and tears? 

You pause, shudder, read again, and then ask, "Is this the 
once light-hearted and free Lucinda?" What does it mean?" 
you persist. 

Well, "truth crushed to earth will rise again. 

The eternal years of God are hers ; 
But error, wounded", writhes in pain, 
And dies amid her worshippers." 

The truth is in the letter and "lovely, sweet, high-minded, 
idolized Lucinda is the chief element in the sentence. She as- 
serts the entire proi^osition. Read it, and ask your generous 
heart , looking up to heaven, "Are not Jack and Bud Daniels 
heroes in the battle of life, not to sacrifice their existence at 
their oicn hands, after such sudden and cruel calamity has sap- 
ped the walls of their happiness, driven them from home, and 
closed the silent grave over darling, loved Lucinda?" 

HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS — SUICIDE OF AN OUTLAW'S WIFE. 

Hot Springs, December 20th. 

The following records from the scene of the three-corner 
outlaws reached here this morning: 

Mr. J. M. McCallum, a merchant of Cedar Glades, the local- 
ity recently made so notorious by the tei-rible career of the 
Daniels outlaws, was in the city to-day, and brought news of 
another horrible tragedy, which also is an outgrowth of the 
bloody record of the three-corner outlaws. 

Mr. McCallum said: Mrs. Daniels effected her destruc- 
tion on last Friday morning about nine o'clock, shooting her- 
self with a rifle gun. Being unable to fire the gun with the 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 27 

caps, which had become damp, the determined victim, with 
grim resolution, kindled a fire, and placed the breech of the 
weapon in it, holding the muzzle against her body till the fire 
discharged the fatal contents through her vitals. The ball 
entered near the centre of the stomach, ranging upward, pass- 
ing out of the back, and entering tho ceiling of the room. 
Death ensued about 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Haifa dozen 
little orphans are left on the world's cold charity. 

Mrs. Daniel, although the wife of the terrible outlaw, 
whose record of crime rivals during its brief period almost 
that of the James boys, was an intelligent and pleasant wo- 
man. The life of her husband entailed upon her so much 
misery that she was unable to bear up. 

The wife of Bud Daniel is now living with relatives in S 7" 
line county, near Benton." 

This coming fresh from "the Atlanta Constitution, of Dec. 
21, 1883," moves like a vast mountain of air upon the public 
mind, and the quer}", "What under the pure skj^ has been the 
matter? What ill wave threw up on time's shores such 
dreadful destiny?" 

Many broken hearts, as the turbid storm-clouds of unbid- 
den grief lower above the good and honest hearts and youth- 
ful associates, exclaim, in the fathomless depths of wonder 
and sorrow, "Is our dear, fair, intelligent Lucinda in the cold 
grave, a victim to her own unbalanced faculties ?" What 
deep, sulphurous chasm from the shades of his Satanic Majes- 
ty has become uncapped, thus snatching a flower from our 
paradise, but leaving desolation at home ? 

As if to pour fresh oil into the public lamp. Jack and Bud 
Daniels are portrayed in livel}^ hues, desperadoes, outlaws. 
Yes, Jack's life rendered his "intelligent and pleasant" wifes' 
life a burden too herculean to be sustained in the habiliments 
of "flesh and blood." 

Again, the notes swell, reverberate, thunder-like they 
burst upon Georgia's fair plains, trumpeting in hedges and 
highways, cities and solitudes, that Jack and Bud Daniel 
have outstripped the James boys, even in a very limited 
period, that they have rendered themselves notorious. 

Well, one of two positions is impregnable. Kight or wrong 
is at the basement. If icrong caused the untimely departure 
of a dear mother from six little children, to leave them home- 
less wanderers upon the world's contingencies, Georgia rises, 
Sampson like, to correct errors, punish crimes, and satisfac- 
torilj' modify measures of justice and merc3^ Let public 
probes go the depths. Hear another Journal speak. Silence I 
Hats off! 

Mr. Hot Springs Sentinel, ladies and gentlemen. After 
compliments worthj^ of the Sentinel, he proceeds: "The cor- 
ners of the counties where Jack and Bud and Kial be." 



28 



HAIIl-BREADTH ESCAPES OF B. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 



We are informed this morning that these desperadoes, the 
Daniels brothers and Blocker, have stated that they were 
willing to surrender to the authorities if the}^ could be assur- 
ed that they would not be tried in Yell count3\ 

They were informed that a change of venue was possible, 
and we hope they will see the necessity of surrendering to 
the majesty of the law. It seems that Potter was killed in 
Yell county, and they have a hoi}' terror for the citizens of 
that county. We believe they could obtain a fair and impar- 
tial trial in this county." 

This fair, unprejudiced oration was delivered some time in 
July, 1883, as clipped from the "Dardanells Post, published 
■every Thursday by Williams & Skinner, proprietors, Thurs- 
day, July 26, 1883." 

Here is a friendly comment on the above by the Darda- 
nells Post "So the bad men of Ions creek and Muddy have 
been consulting attorneys, we would infer. It is a compli- 
ment to the people of Yell county that these gentlemen are 
not willing to be tried in Yell county. Certainly Yell coun- 
ty would be glad to be relieved of the business." 

But here swings round the corner another illustrious elo- 
cutionist, even Perryville Times. Hear jq deaf! "Eial 
Blocker and the Daniel boys were seen near the head of big 
Maumelle last week." Comment: "Wherein the el-ements is 
the head of Big Maumelle? and why didn't somebody catch 
them?" 

Here follows a comment from west of the Mississippi, from 
a respectable source, which sheds new lustre on inquirers" 
pathway, hear him. "For want of something better to sat- 
isfy the public greed for sensation, the newspapers have ad- 
vertised the Daniel boys and Blocker into notoriety, while in 
fact there is no other element of the outlaw than the fact (of 
all facts very serious, mine) that they brutally murdered a 
neighbor and took refuge in the mountains. They defy no 
authorities nor threaten anj^bodj'. Their so-called defiance 
consists in their arming themselves, as fugitives from justice 
naturally do, and their threats consist in ignorantly warning 
officers not to insult or abuse their families, or the families of 
the outlaws. 

The scene at the church which has been so much paraded 
before the public was a social one rather than otherwise, the 
outlaws taking dinner with the people on the grounds after 
the services were over. Instead of capturing the congrega- 
tion, breaking up the congregation or meeting, and compell- 
ing the minister to read aloud their proclamation, they quiet- 
ly waited until service was over, and then requested the min- 
ister to read their warning. 

Not a very reputable proceeding, to be sui-e, and one not to 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 29 

be apologized for, but it is so different from that as repre- 
sented, that it is worthy of mention. Continuously since the 
killing of Potter, the sheriff of Yell county has been trying to 
find and capture the men. 

At no time has any feature of the case required a special 
attention of the Governor, and the request to him by indi- 
viduals to send the militia out to that section, we believe to 
have originated with men who simply desired sensation or, 
]»ossibly, with unprincipled villains who hoped to complicate 
the present administration by militia muddles. At any rate, 
there is not the slightest excuse for mention of militia in con- 
nection with the matter. Now that crops are "laid by," and 
the people can leave home without much detriment to their 
business. Sheriff Davis has organized a posse for the purpose 
of giving the mountains, where the parties are supposed ta 
bo, one thorough scouring, with the determination to arrest 
them if they are there. 

He will go into the neighborhood with fifty men, though 
he left Dardanelle Monday morning with but ten, his inten- 
tion being to select good men from localities nearer the field 
of operations. The posse is accompanied by George Bently, of 
Conway county, who took with him two blood hounds, and 
who has the reputation of being a skillful and brave officer. 
While we have little hope of their effecting the arrest of the 
fugitives, the effort will serve a good purpose on general 
principles. In addition to its general effect, wholesome effect^ 
it will afford newspapers opportunity to talk about "moun- 
tain fastnesses." Mr. R. J. Brown, the (ra^e^^e's great North- 
western traveling town magnifier, hurried over to Dardenelle 
to join the cavalcade bound tor the "fastnesses," but was 
thirty minutes and five seconds too late, consequently had to 
wipe his brow in regret. 

When the Sheriff was summoning his posse on Monday 
morning, there was consternation and dismay on the faces of 
many. Fifty miles! heavings ! horseback ! and some of them 
spoke the most commonplace slang, and a few thi-eatened re- 
bellion, but it was no use, the "mountain fastnesses must be 
searched, and Jack and Bud Daniels and Eial Blocker must 
be captured." 

Here we have a chain of startling events, all converging ta 
one grand central conclusion, viz: Jack, Bud, and a third 
party called Eial Blocker, have literally torn up the ground, 
burnt deck and broom both, consternated everybody, Gover- 
nor appealed to, blood hounds and detective, fifty "good men," 
all trying to capture three men. We also find it spoken that 
"Bill Potter" was killed in Yell county, brutally murdered, 
that Jack, Bud, Rial, were in the sad deed, churches disturb- 
ed, people dismayed at the thought of arresting the "outlaws."^ 



30 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OP R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

Yes, we have an agglomerated mass fit tor tbe^hanging of any 
competent board of arbitrament in the court room, hang any 
jury upon terra firma's fair face. 

SENSATION 

also aboard, it seems, from the tone of the last writer quot- 
ed. And administration at the bottom ! Yes, we are fully 
aware of the how of sensations like these. Carpet baggers 
have left the stain of eternal infamy on the fair South, op- 
pressed our people, stolen our dollars, poisoned society, where 
it had any hold, made an inferior people saucy, contemptible, 
ignorant and idle, and now, thank heaven, our fair South 
raises her hallelujahs to Heaven's righteous Judge and King 
that our homes once more are free from radical rule. And 
the stench, so foetid, stomach sickening to our fair wives, 
daughters, mothers, of carpet-bagadministration, no longer 
causes southern true blood Washingtonians to hold their 
nasal organs ! 

Yes, such administration has been tottering, trembling, 
gasping, slowly dying, thank heaven, for twenty years. But 
intrigue, oppression, murder, bloody scenes at midnight, ille- 
gal taxation, have been the very pabulum upon which it has 
breathed the oxygen of life. Deprive them of such means, 
and what? They die — die eternally — "unknelled, uncoffined 
and unknown." 

No wonder it requires blood hounds to seek after generous, 
kind-hearted, well-raised men that attempt to keep afloat such 
a wreck of putrified contamination ! 

Who desires to fall into such company, put your hands 
into such a lion,8 mouth, and at the same time so well ac- 
quainted with their voracious appetite? No one. From 
Maine to California; from the lakes of the ice-fettered North 
to the ambrosial fruits of the Moxic gulf of the sunny South. 
have noble men and women groaned beneath the iron hoof of 
Pharaoh's oppression 

Little do they care how many men, arms, blood hounds, hors- 
es, &c., come in and feed upon the hard earnings of industrious 
men and women ! They didn't ivork for it. No, sir ! 

But what did Potter do ? Was he a good man, and one 
that "feared G-od with all his house, that prayed to God al- 
ways, and gave much alms to the people? Was it just at the 
hour of prayer, when in his humble devotions he arranged 
his family about the quiet hearthstone, the sacred family 
altar, and as he reverently bowed, the assassins, outlaws, 
came to his window, and, without a moment's notice, hurled 
him mto the great future, into which we must all go ? 

READ JACK DANIEL'S LETTER, 

and you have the key to open — walk in — look about murder- 



HAIR-BFEADTH ESCAHES U. J. AND ELTD DANIEL. 31 

ville iind be satisfied, in your mind, fit least, that there ^'■Musf 
■have been something UTong up the branch.''' 

May 1st., 1882. 
Mr. William Potter: — I will write j'ou a few^ lines, as 1 
don't wish to talk to you on the subject that seems to be youj' 
whole study. I thought I had told you plain enough that I 
would noi go into any such obligations as you want me to. 
As it seems that you are hard to understand, 1 will write 
this down, so that you may see it every day. Understand 
that I will not join anybody to act unfair or unjust with oui- 
fellow-man, as 1 want to treat everybody as I wish them to 
treat me, and I expect to deal honestl}^ with everybody. The 
advice you gave me is liable to get a man in trouble, for this 
is government land. I don't see how you can have the face 
to ask me to curse and accuse men of stealing that come in 
tliis valley to look at land. I don't see how you can have 
the heart to do so j'ourself. Eemember that a false accuser 
is the worst man of earth. Mr. Potter, as for me helping you 
run these men out of this valley that have come in here and 
settled, I don't intend to do it. I consider that they have 
got as much right on government land as you or me, and I 
will help protect them in their rights, for 1 want neighbors. 
You say these men are thieves ; if they are, Avhy don't you 
prove it, and handle them with the law? I always thought 
that was what the civil law was for. If I thought the people 
of this country was as thievish and mean as you recommend 
them to be, 1 would leave this country at once. It is strange 
that no one is right but you and your party. You say that 
you and your crowd rule the country, and it I will join hands 
with you, we will have a good thing ; we will prove anything 
we want to. You say you have a way of taking men up the 
creek and leaving them, if they don't suit you. Mr. Potter, 
I dou't want j'^ou to think, because I have begged for peace, 
that you can scare or bluff me out of here. If I am afraid of 
any man or set of men I don't know it ; but I want peace. 
W hy not have peace and happiness in this country ? We can 
have it by 'being governed by honor and justice. It you don't 
intend for you and me to get along, please don't try to break 
peace with me and the balance of the neighbors by talking 
about me, which you have begun to tell all kinds of fabulous 
falsehoods on me, which I could, if I had the means to back 
me, and was a mind to, I could sue you for slander and make 
you as poor a man as I am. You say that a stranger has no 
show here at all. I think to treat justice, they would have 
as good a show as any one. You say that men that don't do 
to suit you make good turtle bait. If I can't do to suit j^nu 
hy acting honorable, j^ou will have to make turtle bait out 
of me, I reckon. Don't never name those things to me an}* 



oZ HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

more, if you please. Remember that almost any man can be 
aggravated to do things that he don't want to do. 

I am willing to join hands to go according to principle, 
honor and justice. If this don't suit you I won't suit you. 
Mr. Potter, I am willing to drop all this and remember it no 
more, if you will, and live neighbors and friends. I will close 
by saying that you will always find me ready and willing 
and waiting to do what is right — reasonable. 
Yours very respectfully, 

E. J. Daniel. 

Now, dear friends, readers and lovers of justice, mercy^ 
truth and right, you may expect the "fur to fly" henceforth. 
While sometimes dark clouds lower, we will carry you at last 
through a vale of sunlight, beauty, bloom and wonder. For 
something deep, dark and destructive must be brought before 
you in coming chapters. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Ruskin has said, " The law of nature is, that a certain 
quantity of work is necessary to produce a certain quantity 
of good, of any kind whatever. If you want knowledge, 
you must toil for it; if food, you must toil for it; and, if 
pleasure, you must toil for it." 

So thought Jack, Bud and Lucinda, when they left the 
fertile vales of Saline County for the majestic cliffs, valleys 
and beauties of Ion's Creek, in Montgomery county, Arkan- 
sas. Once safely housed in that garden of delights, energy ,^ 
perseverance and integrity, went to earnest toiling to make 
an honest living, " in the sweat of their faces." Tall fir trees, 
giant oaks, fell before the well-wielded axe, and rails, rails, 
rails, flew in thousands from the blows of honest arms and 
hands, while humble homes, yards, gardens, and a lax'ge and 
fertile bottom-field soon crowned the efforts of those men wha 
anxiously awaited the memorable and joyous day when they 
could sit beneath their own " vines and fig-tre«s — no one dar- 
ing lawfully to molest or make afraid." But let it not escape 
the memory that this beautiful Eden on Ion's Creek was 
government land. 

Living all around the mountain's base were apparently 
quiet, inoffensive neighbors, mainly well-to-do people, and, 
of course, a stranger seeking rest among them would enter 
into that rest perfectly at ease. If he needed assistance, there 
it was, and with such inviting prospects, he would naturally 
rejoice to settle — cease to roam — stop the " rolling stone,"^ 



HAIE-BRBADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 33 

and in future to gather moss to cheer declining years. Bul 
just step in a day and look at the 

BASIN 

in the valley on Ion's Creek. 

This basin is from 10 to 12 miles long, and averages 1| 
miles in width, though a mountain range extends for 15 miles 
west and south, however, much broken, while for 10 miles 
long and If miles in latitude, sweeps the loveliest vale of 
Arkansas. Ion's Creek equally divides it; murmuring 
waterfalls, rainbows, cool boiling fountains, heavy timber, 
excellent pasturage, and lands fertile beyond description, are 
here. Deer, turkeys, squirrels, bears, panthers — yes, it is 
over abounding with game, and one of earth's choicest sec- 
tions to raise cattle and horses without expense. 

There is one of Nature's curiosities here that we cannot 
forbear to mention. A gateway' is at each extremity of this 
narrow valley, although 10 miles long, and stock can pass in 
and out at said gaps, but woo to the beast that furiously tries 
to scale the elevated guards embracing the valley, like a lover, 
on all sides. In fact, nothing save a gazelle could climb the 
rugged mountains girting this valley, save at the two narrow 
gates or gaps ; hence, stock was safe in the valley, and could 
come out at the accustomed gateway. Jack and Bud Daniel 
erected their buildings right by the cattle pass- way ; indeed, 
stock came in from the outside daily, while but two families, 
then four, then only two again, could count up souls in the 
pass. All without this pass was recognized under cover of 
mountain fastnesses ; for the very countenance of the hills., 
rugged bowlders, roaring cataracts, horrible chasms, frowning 
peaks, seemed to whisper in the solitary wanderer's ear. 
"Beware! O beware, my traveller to eternity !' It in truth 
seems " cut out " and " well sewed together" for a refuge — 
and no stnall handful of mortals need pursue a determined 
spirit there. 

Jack and Bud settled 
where no region on all the beauteous globe offers more at- 
tractions or presents more opportunities to the nature- lover, 
the artist, the hermit, the capitalist, the man of nerve and 
enterprise, or the invalid, to the seeker of recreation, health 
or fortune, than Ion's Creek, Montgomery County, Arkansas. 
Amid these grand hills was a favorite meeting-place and 
camping-ground of the warlike tribes whose ownership of 
the region dates back into the misty dates of legend and 
conjecture. Near here, after their death, they were buried 
in a sitting posture, with staff in hand, and a tepee of stakes 
around and over the heroic form. Strange-looking cones and 
chimneys, craters and scape-pipes, still remain, as perfect as 
3 



34 HAIR-BREAPTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

in the far-back period when they spouted and sputtered as 
J though Beelzebub was " making soup of sinners at their 
deep -down furnace fires." 

CLOUDS GATHER 

around the happy home of Jack and Bud. J^ark clouds, 
which, at first, no larger than a man's hand, soon covered the 
bright horizon, while muttering thunder shook the citadel of 
peace, and Death's cold fi-ost nipped forever the cherished 
and expanding beauty of dear Lucinda, depriving Jack Dan- 
iel of a loving and useful wife and mother, while seven darling 
children, one an infant, could welcome her ai morning, or 
say, '' Good-bye, dear mamma," at night. 

It has been said, in a Book we dare not question, that -'the 
love of mone}"- is the root of all evil." and " evil men and 
seducers will wax worse and worse, deceiving and being de- 
ceived." Some bright mornings deceive the atixious traveler, 
for, ere nightfall, clouds overcast the beautiful heavens, 
throwing a death-like pallor over all nature, and the hur- 
ricane, bursting in its resistless might, " uproots the tree and 
snaps the flower, and sweeps from our distracted breast the 
friends that loved, the friends that blest, and leaves us weep- 
ing on the shore to which they can return no more." 

Just around the mountain's base, on Ion's Creek, was a 
regular band of well-disciplined tyrants, who kept guard, 
sentr^'-'like, over the little valley, and permitted a favored few 
to "live and move and have their being" in this coveted re- 
sort; therefore, strangers could be very easily deceived when 
"judging from outward appearances." Were he to step just 
without the circle, put up at night, he would receive as much 
hospitality as could be desired ; hence no one would ever 
suspect anything '' dark behind the curtains." But that 12 
miles long, that 1| miles broad, that picturesque landscape — 
good grazing, well-watered region — those narrow gateways 
protecting " (Governor Myselfs cattle " — was not treated very 
coldly and carelessly by " gentleman cattle thieves andjland- 
sharks." 

you COULD, HOWEVER, 

put in there, provided, you became a devout, punctual, perse- 
vering member of what was dubbed by the "Fraternity 
Eoyal- Keep -Everybody - Out-of-Here-Save-Myself-and-Wife- 
My Son John-His Wife-Us-Four-and-ISro-MoRE " as " Our 
Band." Yes; our band is all right side up — clicking, running 
Mr. Everybody out that does not nod as we wink! And a 
stranger would be very snugly entrapped long ere he was 
aware of how the " cords were pulled." 

But just let him set footing on forbidden territory, although 
government land and open to honest hearts and industrious 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 35 

hands, and these cattle men, who called this valley on Ion's 
Creek "Our Pasture," would raise the query, " Will you join 
our band? If you will, we will have a good thing; and if 
anybod}^ drives stock in here, curse them! malie them afraid 
to staj^ ; or, if they persist, let some stock be found dead, 
near their ^rewu'ses, and they will take warning; but if not, 
we will accuse them of stealing the stock; and get rid of them 
we must, even if we have to go with him up the creek. Will 
you go in with us and have a good thing?" 

Jack and Bud Daniel had just fairly " spread sail " in the 
valley, had a good farm opened, some stock about them, and 
success staring them full in the face, when a neighbor who 
lived three miles off paid them a visit, and accosted them 
thus: " Well, Daniels, will you join our band? We can have 
a good thing here. If a man does not do to suit me, I will 
make turtle bait out of him ; nobody can have any showing 
in here but my band. We can protect our cattle ft-om intru- 
sion and keep outsiders aloof ; raise cattle in abundance, and 
have a little world in here belonging to We, Us & Co." 

Daniels replied thus : But suppose a good, honest man 
— a poor man — was to come here on government land, seek- 
ing a home, with little children to support, and his all here 
with him? I do not think it right to terrify him away." 

Cattle Man. Oh, that won't pay ; everybody will come in 
this rich valley, and sweep our grazing grounds, and we be 
the great losers. If any man comes, curse him! scare him 
off; but if you fail, let me be informed." 

Daniels. *' Mr. Potter, I do not think it reasonable and just 
to try to run off good men. I want neighbors, and am will- 
ing to do right between man and man.'' 

Cattle Man. " My band rules the vallej^ and no one can 
abide here unless our voice is consulted. We are not to be 
outwitted in this weighty matter. It you can't get a spirit 
of moving around in them, just refer the case to me. my de- 
cision will be final — for I will take him up Ion's Creek, from 
which there will be no appeal." 

Daniels. " Mr. Potter, your proposition would involve me 
in difficulties, for this is government land ; they have as 
much right to land here as you or me ; besides, I want neigh- 
bors. I am not willing to abuse, curse or slander my fellow- 
man, but wish to treat men as I desire to have them act toward 
me. Let me tell you, Mr. Potter, 1 am not willing to join 
you to oppress men, but will join any community on the face 
of Mother Earth to aid mankind ann edify society. I will 
protect good, honest citizens, Mr. Potter; and while I want 
peace, remember I am not afraid of any living man. 1 will 
join you in what is right and reasonable." 

Potter ended the conversation of his favorite topic, and as 



36 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

the glimmer of the suu was fading, he bent his steps across 
field, vale and hill homeward. 

Blocker was a neighbor living about four miles from Jack 
Daniel's. Blocker's family was reputable — good livers, hon- 
est and to be trusted. But Blocker, too, had become very 
much enamoured with the Eden on Ion's Creek, and built 
four miles from Daniel and three miles from Potter. 

Potter and his "band " could not induce Blocker to " take 
men up the creek," curse, kill cattle near premises, and 
such lovely deeds ; hence they considered him, together with 
Jack and Bud, to be snakes in the grass, and must be routed, 
and thai instanter.. No equivocation, no prevaricating; just 
six with one and half a dozen with the other ; as long as broad 
— out of there they must and shall go ! But how to maneu- 
ver here was a vexing problem to the committee. Potter rea- 
soned thus : Bud and Jack will not be likely to become 
frightened if we approach them directly or offer violence; 
besides, they can shoot the bottle's bottom out and shoot in 
at the neck. But if we can get a sly pop at Blocker, then 
the Daniel boys will fear secret injury, and will soon hull 
out." 

April 18th, 1888, about 6 o'clock a. m., while Blocker was 
pursuing his honest calling, dreaming of no danger — bang! 
went a painful nouiid, ringing through the valley, and bearing 
dread intentions in its music. Blocker, leaping upward, 
looked around, and seeing Potter, knew too well the mission 
of the leaden messenger that whizzed through the air, brushed 
Blocker's waist, shot liis clothes in pieces, but, providentially, 
did no hurt to his person. 

Blocker, Jack and Bud 
were soon in conference. While no bishop, with his holiness, 
utility and scholastic erudition, nor worthy elder, nor itiner- 
ant man of God, to teach the guilty the way of peace and 
pardon, graced this trio in secret convention, never did mor- 
tal men meet with more care, reservation, good designs and 
the holy motto, " Peace on earth, good will among men." 

Blocker. — " Well, boys, 1 have done nothing to merit the 
displeasure of Potter. Never did 1 insult, injure or deceive 
him. What can this mean?'' 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 37 

CHAPTER IX. 

BLOCKER, JACK AND BUD 

soon go to see Potter. "Well, I'll tell you Blocker, said Jack," 
he simpl}^ intends not to kill you, but scare you out of here, 
since you, like us, count yourself unworthy of his honorable 
band.." 

Blocker. "Do you conjecture rightly, Jack ?" 

Jack. "1 have every good reason to believe so, and more 
than that, he has spread it broadcast, outside the gap, on last 
Saturday, that he intends to kill mo out — I just can't live 
here, and if threats can't suffice, and I fail to join his band, 
he will see to it at once that I am hoisted." 

Blocker. "You see, boys, this matter is too serious to tam- 
per with ; no procrastinating will avail, let's go over to see 
Potter, have a friendlj^ talk, assure him we are citizens, not 
thieves, outlaws nor cut-throats, and sue for peace and live 
peaceably ?" 

Jack. "Well, I and Bud have done much work here, as 
Avell as you, and our all is here ; wives, children, stock, in- 
deed our life is here, and i do think, if he will just listen to 
reason, he won't kill out innocent parties that bear no malice 
nor have ever injured person or property." 

Bud. "Boys, those are my sentiments; but I can't see 
through this way of shooting at men to rid them of homes, 
just because we won't turn outlaws and drive quiet, inoffen- 
sive citizens out of this vallej'." 

Jack 'I had rather move to California than hurt any 
man, I can raise my hand to pure heaven and affirm that 1 
harbor no ill will toward any living man. We can go over 
and see Mr. Potter and reason together, and perhaps we may 
effect a pleasant reconciliation." 

Blocker, "fclad we not better carry our guns ?" 

Jack. "We can do so, but of course. Bill Potter won't go 
so far into folly as to go to firing at innocent men ; he sees 
men every day with guns; besides, this is not a gun matter, 
this is reason, justice, peace; this involves 'heads and foots' of 
families. Our progeny hangs upon this convention with 
Potter; of course, we want a quiet, friendly interview, and if 
peace is brought about, we have quiet, lovely homes for our 
<!hildren." 



38 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OP R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

CHAPTEE X. 

SAD INTERVIEW — BLOODY DAY — POTTER KILLED — SHERIFF 
BRANDISHING PISTOLS AT JACK's HOUSE — TRY TO MAKE HIM 
RUN TO KILL HIM WITHOUT ARREST. HOW THEY WERK 
DECEIVED, AC, &C. 

Early on April 18th., 1883, this trio could have been seen 
wending their way with heavy hearts, now despairing, now 
hoping good to come out of this visit to the "house of mourn- 
ing." Lofty crags frowned down upon them, cataracts 
splashed, gurgled, and then ran apast them, hollow winds 
sang echoes like funeral dirges, while the bold eagle screamed 
out his triumphant note of profound supremacy, and game 
sported before them temptingly unhurt. With all this they 
would have been happ}^, had not certain preminitions, ^resen- 
timents, they could not lift off from their aching hearts, come 
ever and anon to mar their future prospects, crush down 
hope and mantle in darkness their day-star once so bright. 

While meditating, walking in silence, they came in sight 
of Potter's house, a beautiful site, portraying beauty, wealth 
and comforts more worthy of better results than crowned the 
events of the da}^. How their hearts beat when they saw 
Mr. Potter plowing down in his beautiful field, where they 
desired to be ; would have been at that very moment, had not 
Mr. Potter's indescribable maneuvers that morning compell- 
ed the "farmer to leave his plow." Hearing his voice, they 
crossed the fence about sixty paces from Mr. Potter, walked 
up to him, and when near, said in humble, persuasive tone, 
"No harm, Mr. Potter, no harm intended, only wish to reason 
with you, talk matters over friendly, and try to harmonize 
things to our mutual benefit, so do not fear a difiiculty, we 
assure you. we are here for no evil to you, but to speak with 
you." 

"I will speak with you, gentlemen, said Potter, rushing to- 
ward his rifle gun leaning against the fence about sixty yards 
off. I will learn you a lesson you have yet to learn, it seems, 
as soon as I reach my old trusty. I'll pick your flints for 
you, mind if I don't!" 

"Stop, Mr. Potter." cried Jack, we did not visit you for 
blood or quarrel !" 

"Shut your mouths, you cowardly scoundrels, don't speak 

aboutjtalking with me, I'll ;" but before his vengeance 

could burst, volcano fashion, upon the pale trio who stood 
dumb at such reception, such contrary results to the one cov- 
eted and prayed for all along three miles of rough road, before 
Potter could speak more vindictive epithets, "Stop there. 
Potter ; if j'ou put your hand on your gun, 1 will be compell- 
ed, sir, to defend myself!" 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES R. J. AND BUD DANIEL- 39 

"I'll defend you, you grand rascals, cowards ! I'll shoot 
Before he could raise his deadly weapon, and send 



the fiery noiissile whizzing through some innocent victim's 
core, and put out his light everlastingly, Jack's unerring 
needle-gun rang out like the scream of despair on a burning 
ship, Potter, grasping his weapon, attempted to raise it, but 
at this critical juncture. Bud, knowing the time present when 
decisive measures must be taken, cried out mildly but posi- 
tively: "'Don't raise that gun, Mr. Potter; we came here for 
no harm, intended no injury, though you cruell}^ frightened 
us by shooting at Mr. Blocker. We came here for peace, but 
you raise that gun and 1 will be compelled to fire !" 

Mr. Potter, seeing all hope of revenge gone, and deeming 
it folly, extreme, to court death, especially when he knew 
Bud could hit his eye, gave back bis gun to the fence, walked 
off some two hundred paces, sat down by the fence, and gave 
himself to solemn reflections ; from his eye seemed to flash 

"My battle-vow ! no minster-walls 

Gave buck the burning word, 
Altar nor shrine the low, deep tone 

Of smothered vengeance heard ; 
But the ashes of a ruined home 

Thrilled as it sternly rose, 
With the mingling voice of blood that shook 

The midnight's dark repose." 

"We see what reason was under his shirt," said Blocker. 

"Yes," said Jack, "I did not think any man so prone to 
evil, so lost to reason, as to rush franticallj^ battle-horse 
manner, right into death's yawning jaws, and lead others 
into misery and trouble!" 

"He's been working at this problem ever since he became 
convinced we would not join his band," said Bud, in a solemn 
tone. Jack, speaking in very solemn phrase, said: this re- 
minds me of a verse I once knew, and 1 believe it rained 
down about thus : 

"111 fares the bark with tackle riven, 

And ill when on the breakers driven; 
111, when the storm is loud and high, 

And lightnings flash athwart the sky; 
But worse, when she conceals within, 

The soul weighed down by secret sin." 

"Yes, we are into the storm of trouble now," said Bud. "I 
would not be in this untimely difficulty, so uncalled for on 
Potter's part, if he had exercised one bit of reason. I would 
not be involved for millions; but j^ou know. Blocker, we 
would have been shot into bug-mouthfuls in less than no time, 
if we had let him handle that deadly rifle I" 

"I want to go down to see him, see how seriously he is 
hurt, and part friendly, for I see he is so unreasonable that I 



40 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

can but do my dutj^ and eariy about a clear conscience," 
said Jack, sorrowfully. 

Down the fence-line tiiey went, regretting but not repent- 
ing, and came on Potter leaning against the fence. They 
soon perceived the aim was not random. 

"Well, Mr. Potter, we did not come here for this; we only 
iiamo on business," said Jack, as spokesman. 

"Well, this is business T' replied Potter, in a gruff tone, as if 
premeditating. 

"Ilow much better, Mr. Potter, it would have been for both 
of us, and for Bud and Mr. Blockei-, if things had received a 
different turn. You tried to induce us to join your company 
contrary to law, government, justice and honor You tried 
to implicate me into conspiracy, Aaron Burr like, against the 
high rule of the State of Arkansas, which opens arms against 
orror, and guarantees citizenship, protection and ])roperty to 
all law-obeying subjects. You have done everything to in- 
liraidate me ; have shot at Blocker ; accused me ot theft, first 
in Texas, then in Georgia ; even at sacred home. 

"Beautiful home where my childhood was spent, 
Beautiful skies where tlie rainbow oft bent; 

Beautiful liills echoing whippoorwill'.s song, 
Beautiful streamlets running zigzag along." 

You have caused me to leave home, here, much to my disad- 
vantage, go to Saline county, away from my family, my dear, 
devoted wife, my sweet, lovel}' children were debarred my 
presence, my labor and my satisfaction, just simply, Mr Pot- 
ter, to evade unpleasantness with 3-ou and your band. Now 
you are seriousl}" shot, and we will have, peradventure, to 
leave home, wife, children, labor; yes, Mr. Potter, leave 
my hard earnings, just to prevent effusion of blood. You may 
soon stand before the righteous Judge, but you can file no in- 
dictment against either of us, and j^ou know it, Mr. Potter!" 
They waited for replies, but, never a word escaped bis lips. 
Stone-still ho sat, but perfectly excusable, for oven then he 
could hear death's breakers roar, and in two short hours his 
spirit broke through its clayey tenement, leaping the barriers 
of time, scaled death's iron battlements, and we earnestly 
hope, but hope against hope, was carried by convoys of shin- 
ing spirits into the gold-paved streets of immortal day, 
"where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at 
ifestl" 



HAIR-BBEADTH ESCAHES K. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 41 

CHAPTEE XL 

The House of Mourning — Potter Dies in two Hours — Is Carried 
Home — General Excitement— Posse Collect — Furiously Attack 
Danielsville — Mistaken Men. 

Potter breathed his last with little comfort iu his last mo- 
ments. But, oh, what grief filled his home! "All, all is 
hushed thi-oughout the empty streets, nor voice nor sound 
as if the inhabitants, like the presaging herds that seek the 
covert ere the loud thunder rolls, had onl}' felt and shunned 
the impending horrors." 

' The firing brought friends, and soon he was borne to the 
home of comfort, and the worthy physician summoned; but, 
alas! all skill must bow before that mandate: "Dust thou 
art, and unto dust shalt thou return." " It is appointed unto 
men once to die, and after this the judgment." — Heb. xix, 27. 
"Death has passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." 
But yet there is hope behind the gloomy cloud, for there is 
One: 

" They dragged Thee to the Romans' solemn hall, 
Where tlie proud judge in purple splendor sate; 
Thou stood'st a meek and patient criminal, 
Thy doom of death from human lips to wait; 
Whose throne shall be the world 
In final ruin hurled, 
With all mankind to hear their everlasting fate." 

Brinj^ tears flowed freely; friends wept; loneliness per- 
vaded the solemn mansion. Like wild-fire the ill-fated tidings 
spread, and soon the entire band of " Carry them up the 
creek " were assembled to pay the last debt of gratitude to 
their crest-fallen chieftain, who had led them so often where 
" Danger's frowns and Death's cool smiles " seemed to har- 
monize and "buy victory at costless price;" but now, alas! 
like the giant oak, standing out for a century against breeze 
and bolt, sinks, at last, with a crash, to wither, blast, die, and 
soon erased from memory. 

Solemn to hear the clods of mother earth fall in upon the 
once animated form of Neighbor Potter, but more so, to hear 
the sobs, screams, sighs, and deep, heart-felt groans of those 
who were leaning upon him for support ; and in the very 
prime of life, flower of health — cut down and withered in an 
hour ! Sadly around the grave they meet — lay their chieftan 
away to rest in the quiet city of the dead — " laid out in 
walks and squares, whei"e foes lie down together, nor harm 
each other there." 

JACK AND BUD AND BLOCKER 

turned away from the unlooked-for scene with horror, but 
felt no compunction — only a swelling wave of regret crossed 



42 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

their finer sensibilities, and produced so sad, melancholy re- 
flections! 

Passing across the ridge, entering the main road in silence, 
Blocker broke the solemn reverie with : 

" Well, boys, we are into trouble now; what is best to do? 
You know with whom we have to deal." 

Jack. " Yes, this is no child's play. We are in a condition 
where many good men have unconsciously been seduced, and 
out of such spiral labyrinths is not easy, at all seasons, to 
extricate every one that comes along." 

Bud. " You both recollect when Hudson went ofP, they 
followed him, although the}' paid 'good toll for going so faj- 
to mill.' You know when Jones, of Missouri, had a serious 
diflSculty with the revenue officer — shot him dead while 
speaking in public — they followed him, but he made them 
pay dearly for their whistle — killing five, and leaving a mark 
on the sixth that the solemn grave alone can rub out! And 
' Coming eventscasttheir shadows before.' We know their in- 
human practcies will justify tiie sad conclusion that we will be 
followed, and not to go before the honorable grand jury, but 
* carried up the creek, ^ and consigned to gentlemen Turtle Bait 
& Co., in Ion's Creek. That will be the long and short ot'the 
matter. We need look for no justice — no fair trial — indeed, 
we will get no trial, only they will try every mode of torture 
they have ever read of in Injun books." 

Blocker. "I am as deep in the muck, bo^'s, as you are in 
the mire. We have been ruthlessly thrust into this unexam- 
pled fray, by men of no imnciple ; we have dealt candidly, 
honestly, with every one: we have defrauded no one; and 
just for wanting to remain here, cultivate good land, live 
honestly, industriously — collect good, righteous neighbors 
about us, that our families could have associates, churches, 
hospitality: and in order to clandestinely, secretly, meanly, 
reserve this government land to their ' own tooth.' they wish 
to ' nip emigration in the bud,' by terrifying us out — first by 
scandal, then threats, then lead ! We must all cleave together, 
boys. ' ' 

Jack. " Blocker, you are truly to be pitied. We have 
come with you to adjust matters, and set them up in more 
ship-shape mode, and we have shaped them more like a 
wrecked ship ; we are between the m?H aiid the gate-post — so we 
must act as becometh wise men — no womanish freaks, no vain 
wishes, no grieving over spilled milk. What do you say, 
Blocker and Bud, about future operations ?" 

Bud. " You see. Jack, 1 am in for right — for justice. We 
can give up to some officers in Montgomerj^ county, or be 
tried at Hot Springs, if we can get to the civil authorities." 

Blocker. "Yes; that is what will skim out all right — for 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 43 

we are as clean as glass of a design to injure Potter; no 
malice aforethought, no threats ; and after he shot at me, 
without any cause whatever, only to scare me out of here — 
and let me tell you, boys, I was just exactly scared like a 
mule-rabbit. 1 have confidence in the public mind, and their 
high estimate of justice, mercy and reason. J am willing to 
surrender now." 

Jack. " That is all well cut out and nicelj' sewed together ; 
but what will you do, my bucks, with those authorities that 
make turtle-bait out of such material as we are? You know 
full well that they will try to take us up the creek now. You 
bet your bottom shilling you'll hear their injun screams of 
despair before two suns set; so let's to business. What are 
your plans. Blocker?" 

Blocker. " Well, boys, sink or swim, here goes to go with 
you till things dress up more politely than at present. Just 
what you propose I will endorse. Let's be going." 

Jack. "Hold a moment ! 1 do not fear betrayal, but if 
one betrays the others, he dies! dies! yes, he certainly dies! 
What say you both to that?" 

Blocker and Bud. '• Holding up our hands to a pure world, 
we avow eternal allegiance, veracity and sincerity, each to 
the other. If one is trapped, he will not divulge the where- 
abouts of the others, save to lawful officers that wo have valid 
reasons to believe will give us fairness !" 



CHAPTEK Xll. 

Bustle in the Community — Come to be Revenged — Brandish 
'\^eapons — Threats. 

Sacred history says that King Herod had long been anxious 
to behold the Lord Jesus, not from any motive of piet}', but 
from mere curiosity. Men sometimes imitate those old fel- 
lows now. Although dear Jesus, the precious Saviour, was 
not on Ion's Creek — nor would we commit sacrilege by insti- 
tuting the least comparison — yet you see that men who had 
never visited Jack, Blocker and Bud, now had old man Cu- 
riosity on tip-toe. Hence, the urgent demand brought out a 
posse. Jack and Bud and Blocker went home direct from 
Potter's, related what was in the breeze, and, thinking fur- 
ther bloodshed very nnnecessary, stepped out mildly and 
and gentlemanly and silently into the mountain protection — 
hanging, curtain-like, over their very houses. 

THE POSSE CAME 

two days after Potter was killed. Instead of coming in the 
night, like a good officer would do, if ho apprehended resist- 



44 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

ence unto blood, they appeared upon the scene moi'e like a 
pack of North American savages — their horses at full speed, 
hair disheveled, flapping in the breeze, yelling, using lan- 
guage that would stain with eternal infamy the pages of this 
true little history ; cursing even in the presence of women 
and helpless children, that our Saviour said, "Suffer little 
children to come unto nie, and forbid them not, for of such is 
the kingdom of heaven ;" even calling the husband a coward 
— a damned everything they could think of, in the very pres- 
ence and heariilg of the devoted wife and much -loved chil- 
dren, whose tears, shrieks and unearthly groans were only 
deepened by the ungentlemanh' yells, curses, threats and 
slanders of this posse, who claimed to seek to carry a man to 
justice. Of course they asked amiss, for they wished to mur- 
der. Providence seems to point unerringly throughout. 

FURGUSON COMES 

in and takes Jack's homestead, but one neighbor, who under 
took it, by Potter's plans, would not be sound in faith toward 
the clan ; therefore, ihey shipped him. " Glass inside; handle 
with care. By The Band." 

Jack worked long and hard for his good little home, and 
being 100 miles away from the Land Office, concluded when 
crops were " laid by," ho would just ride down to Little Kock, 
pay in the duos, and come home to enjoy its beauties and 
comforts with his wife and little children ; not dreaming that 
any volcanic eruption would spout out to dispossess him, 
after such toil and pure motives — houses built and broad 
acres opened. But Satan entered the garden again, but 
didn't come to the woman this time. But as soon as they 
found the wrong man had come in to seize Jack's homestead 
— found they had the " wrong sow by the ear," and had 
" come up on the wrong train" — he being shipped right now, 
without note or comment, the beautiful inheritance again re- 
verted back to Jack without a struggle. 

jack's oats 
were ripening when the unfortunate fray at Potter's called 
him from the scythe-blade to more elevated positions — up — 
up — away up in the mountains. Jack's neighbors went over 
en masse to cut his oats — for they were fine — to save them for 
his family, consisting of a wife and seven dear little children. 
Mere Satan was at work. The band, true to the clan, deter- 
mined upon utter extermination, to sweep deck and burn the 
broom, came over and informed the reapers if they made 
another shock, they would shoot all the liver and a part of 
the lights out of them. 

Said a friend, " But the oats will all be lost, and if Daniel 
has got into trouble sufficient to cause his elopement, bis fam- 
ily is here, dependent and helpless." 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R, J. AND BUD DANIEL. 45 

" Never mind his family, nor their dependence. You strike 
another blade through them oats, and G — d d — n your h — 11 
fired souls, we will take care of you ! " 

" But, friends, it is the part of mercy to cut these oats. His 
wife and children have done no murder, and they will suifer; 
their cattle and horses will need every bit in winter. Please 
let us gather them ! " 

" Now, sirs, to come to square, plain words with the bark 
on, you have our sentiments, viz: We care nothing about the 
suffering — who suffer — only Jack Daniel's clan of damned 
scoundrels will not be here in winter. He will be in the place 
where there is no winter before frost, and his cubs can look 
out somewhere else — they won't roost here." 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Heart-sickening Scene. Hogs Turned in Cornfield. Laugh at 
the Tears of a Woman. Children and Wife Left Homeless 
and Without any Eatables. Cruel Treatment of Furgerson^ 

Jack and Bud and Blocker kept aloof from " sharks," rocks 
and "floating voters," in their quiet mountain haunts, neither 
disturbed by nor disturbing anything, save an old gobbler 
or antlerod king of the meadows, now and then, and these 
only to live on; for meat, bread, biscuits, pies, ham, and such 
luxuries as grace the ])leasant, burdened home-table, were 
scarce in the superlative degree away up in the "mountain 
fastnesses." Go down in the valley, on Ion's Creek: there 
you behold a dear wife weeping, neighbors sympathizing, and 
dear children looking up into that calm, sweet face, as if to 
inquire, " Dear mother, we will look to you ; what will be- 
come of us? These bad men will not let these good angels 
cut our oats ; what will our cows and poor horses do when it 
is cold? If dear papa is in trouble, we have done nothings 
we would not take all their oats from them ! " 

""We must look to Heaven, dear children — to God, who 
help us if we call upon him in the day of trouble, and do 
good for evil. Let us, dear, sweet children, leave all to 
Him." 

" We are at our row's end," says one kind neighbor; " we 
yield to violence and numbers, but our will is good. It is 
an open shame, devoid of mercy, to cut off your supplies 
thus, after you have so earnestly toiled to make the oats. 
Now these men, right in the face of Heaven's bounty, would 
leave you beggars." " Come over to see us," was exchanged, 
and away they went home. 

Just across Ion's Creek was a farmer who loved hogs and 



46 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

money, but hated women and children, and all he wanted and 
most prayed for was " to oppress the fatherless and widows;" 
to swindle them out of their honest earnings ; to " go to hell 
for^ye cents, nor give a dime to get back." Jack's field was 
just across the creek from this generous son of Belial. Jack's 
cornfield looked like a canebrake; all promised to do well for 
the " woman and little helpless children." But, alas! here 
again Satan entered into the man, and swine, too, and ruined 
completelj' this beautiful field. This neighbor went secretly, 
let down the fence, tolled the greedy, starved hogs into Jack's 
corn, while it was in the soft ear, and completely leveled it 
with destruction, as perfect fis Babylon. Thus oats and corn 
were cut off from this helpless family. 

Mrs. Daniel, in order to save her own life, and that of 
seven dependent children that she felt in duty bound by every 
tender tie, and by that high sentiment that rankles only in a 
woman's loving and lovely heart, addressed the neighbor 
thus: 

'< At Home, July , 1883. 

Dear Sir; 

My husband, as you are aware, has become involved so that 
his presence, however dear to me and my little ones, is not 
practicable at this moment. My little boy, who bears this 
message, is the only one I have to see about my home affairs. 

I learn jonr hogs have broken into my corn, and are de- 
stroying it very rapidly. My sorrow now is great, but when 
my little children, whom I hope to rear in the fear of Heaven 
— honest, true and just — are reduced to loneliness, starvation 
and beggary, my health will fail, my mental faculties be de- 
ranged — and. Oh ! what will become of my helpless children? 

I beg of you, as a neighbor in distress, and relying on your 
humanity and integrity, to keep the hogs out, and save me 
and mine. Yours Respectfully, 

LuciNDA Daniel." 

Now, kind reader, do jon believe this one thing? — listen ! 
Me actually laughed at the carrier and the letter! Laughed at 
the poor little boy ! Laughed at a poor woman's fears, hopes, 
and honest desires to save her little brood from begging from 
door to door ! Yes, dear readers, laughed I laughed ! — and 
laughed again I 

"Tell your old mammy," said he, "my hogs learned to 
swim when they were little bits of piggies, and have im- 
proved rapidly. Tell her they can swim the Arkansaw. If 
she can ketch 'em, and pull all the swim out of 'era — hobble 
'em — they may keep out ! " 

" Mother begs you to keep them out, for she is a woman — 
can't run all over the woods like a man, and we won't have 
any bread. Mother and all of us will have a harder time 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES oh' K. J. AND BUD DANIEl,. 47 

tban as good a man as j'ou are would care to see us have this 
winter, if the hogs eat our corn." 

" Where's your trifling daddy ? " said the beast. " If he is 
80 fond oi killing vien, why don't he come and kill em out? 
They say he can hit a bottle-neck ten steps ! " 



CHAPTER XiV. 

JACK AND BUD AND BLOCKER ARM 

themselves with Winchester, sixteen-shooting rifles, and 
Smith & Wesson revolvers ; not to evade law, nor defy legal 
embassadors, but to keep clear of such maelstroms as the 
flesh and blood, called by the name of men, who lived 
about the gateways of the mountains, to keep good men, 
women and children out. that they could "rise, slay and eat." 
Of course, they occasionally come home; then, to avoid blood- 
shed, before they could go to justice, have a fair trial, come 
back to the bosom of society and arms of a devoted household, 
they sought shelter in the rocks. 

JUSTICE AND TRIAL 

was what they sought, prayed for, above all else. Even so 
high, ran the public sentiment in favor of truth and justice, 
that a high-standing, honorable citizen said, "I will willingly 
pay $1,000 to have a fair trial for the Daniels boys.' 

Many said, "Wo will never say try them in Yell county, 
right on the back of such fool-hardy prejudice as rises up at 
every step !" 

Others said, "They would butcher them like wolves, if they 
were to give up. They would break open the prison, and 
hang them to the nearest limb. They are right, in the main, 
but have no show !" 

Many efi'orts were now being made by friends, attorney's, 
and one honorable Mr. Sheriff, who is a gentleman and a 
man of common sense, reason, justice, wisdom and humanity; 
was well acquainted with their whereabouts, and was labor- 
ing in conjunction with other distinguished, responsible men, 
to give the boys a straight, bare-faced trial in the county of 
Montgomery. 

Meanwhile, Mrs. Daniel wrote the Governor, thus : "Your 
Excellency is aware that E. J. Daniel, ray husband, is accus- 
ed of willful murder, and by reason of this, I am insulted by 
parties remote from the Capitol, who can depredate and be 
off before seizure. My husband was born in Georgia, where 
we married ; if his reputation has been blackened by deeds of 
villainy, I do not know it. He unfortunately was compelled, 
in order to preserve his own life, to kill Mr. William rotter. 



48 HAIRBREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

I humbly seek the protection of His Excellency against insult 
and threats to burn my house, my children, and myself If 
1 have oflfended or injured any one 1 am not aware of it. 

Hoping this petition will receive your protection, 
I am, respectfully, 

Mrs. Lucinda Daniel." 

What protection she received we declare not, but suffice it 
to say that in a few days the conduct of the hunters "the 
band," became so notorious and disgraceful towards the inno- 
cent families and friends — even to the females — that an "In- 
dignation Meeting" was held, composed of the best material 
for miles around, and in substance, stuck up to trees, shop 
doors, &c., &c., the following : 

" NOTICE ! 

All persons are hereby prohibited from openly mistreating 
and insulting the families of persons supposed to be the sym- 
pathizers with Jack and Bud Daniel and Eial Blocker." 

This notice was instantly torn down by "the band," with 
as much relish as a howling wolf would devour a tender lamb, 
which, of coui'se, left the way wide for more — more, and yet 
comes more cursing, swearing in ladies' presence, threaten- 
ing to "hang any man who spoke in favor of the 'outlaws,' 
or aided in any manner their escape from justice. They 
would have them yet, and no d — d man or woman should 
help them to escape !" 



CHAPTEE XV. 

Scouring the woods, hills, valleys, all about, was now com- 
mon. Of course, the old phrase "We'll have 'em this pop ! 
We'll see 'em wearing bracelets before night!" was as com- 
mon as for barking dogs not to bite anything worse than 
"meat and bread." Sometimes, however, up walked a spirit- 
ed, busy, bustling, buccaneer, with his wallet full of "Well, 
gentlemen, if my time and pressure of business would per- 
mit, I would aid in arresting the murderers, robbers, outlaws, 
and give them a new-fashioned necktie, made out of a bridle- 
rein !" 

But, as ever turns out, "pressure of business, time," and we 
might add, cowardice, kept him safely in the arms of his dear 
one at home; you could not have got his head in two hundred 
yards of the muzzles of those Winchesters for all the precious 
dust of California; they knew it emphatically was business 
on one part,come or go, stay or retreat, when they gave the 
Daniel boys a living chance, they would go like men into the 



HAIK-BFEADTH ESCAPES K. J. ASI) BUD DANIEL. 49 

Court House. But, woe to the chap who dubbed himnelf 
"the band," came in saluting distance of the poor outcasts, 
who, while cast off, were seeking a fair trial. 

Such treatment to innocent women and children should 
justly incur the hot displeasure of every American citizen 
who ever was kissed by a loving mother or a dear sister. 

Such atrocious conduct, on the part of the very men who 
claim to love justice, the x&vy men that, like ravenous wolves, 
prowled around home, was likely to bo charged up to inno 
cent parties who would fall victims to "the band " Jack and 
Bud and Eial may have any amount ot such false accounts 
on the debit side ot their infamous sulphurdom ledger; but 
the balance-sheet awaits a higher tribunal, Irom which there 
can be no appeal. Jack and Bud (but we capitally doubt 
Blocker), are willing to appeal to that supreme court, liavc 
laid open the case for adjudication before Him with whom we 
have to do. For the misfortune of Potter, and that unpleas- 
ant issue they regret with deep humility ; but for those un 
compromising wretches, who villainously desecrated the fair 
names of their own dear mothei'S b}' devilishly, meanly, irre- 
ligiously trampling upon others equally innocent, they have 
only a fiery day, and fiery indignation. 

Jack, Bud, and Blocker, after their serious vow not to be 
tray, stuck together as close as a "sick kitten to a hot brick," 
and were as happy, in prospect of a lair trial, as a "dead pig 
in the sunshine." 

One morning, as the}' were in an old field, about ten acres, 
lo and behold ! up rides the posse and surrounds them, but 
not seeing them (we reckon, for they went away as quiet as 
Mary's little lamb), they moved gracefully forward as if pure, 
undefiled devilment never entered their Henry Clay (?) brains, 
and left Jack, Bud and Eial Blocker to hold, the fort. Now 
these villains knew full well we were there ; but while they 
could act so very manly (?) in presence of women and chil- 
dren and tVightcn little boys, here, at the scratch of the game, 
where honor called them to. face lead, and innocent, hound- 
hunted victims who knew how to use it, they faltered, grew 
blind, and made out like the old negro Sam who yjrayed "Do 
good Lorti cuni right now, take poor Sambo off funi here — 
dis trublesum wuld, to brite gory, and meet dem baked goose 
and roast possum, and de grease streamin out ob poor nig 
ger's mouf, wid all de parch korn he wish fur!" 

Presently his mischievous young massa knocked at pious 
Sambo's door— disturbed his devotions by a gentle tap. 

•'Who dar? What yer gwinefur, 1 say?" 

"Come to take poor Sam to a better land, where the streets 
are ot gold, the gates of pearl, walls of jasper, a tree of life, 
and a beautiful river flows through it, dashing up its silvery 
4 



50 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OP R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

spray upon those clad in white with crowns of glory flashini^ 
and blazing on their sinless heads — come, brother Sam, open 
unto me !" 

"Humph ! Mister Angel, to tell yer de trufe, and dats what 
old Sambo's gwine ter do, dat nigger's been runned off 
from dis plantation for hog stealin, least free week gone — 
trute ! trute, shore I's born, it's de trufe !" 

Just so with the band ; they wanted poor Jack, Bud and 
Eial to come out of these troublesome "mountain fastnesses," 
but Avhen the}'^ were in reaching distance, they could go oif 
and tell, "they've been gone these three weeks !" 

|bLOCKER WAS FRIGHTENED 

here almost out of what little sense he did have, even begged 
us to surrender ! A worse scared specimen of humanity never 
graced the artist's pencil. You would have laughed your 
sides sore to have seen his looks of wan despair, his dilated 
eyes — looking like full moons, his quivering under fear — his 
holy (?) entreaties to give our hands to be hand-cuffed into 
the hands of inerciless savages. 

This guilty conscience, manifest in Blocker, aroused our 
true suspicions of his base infidelity to us. We knew our 
own hearts. We were cognizant of no wrong upon our fellow 
man without a serious catalogue of protracted injuries, which 
turned into vengeance, forbearance ; and we felt like giving 
up to good men of legal potency who would give us an im- 
partial hearing before a generous public; but as for those 
motley specimens who were hypocritically parading that old 
field, not for us, but for a vain show — and would have, ms^rtn- 
ter^ without judge, jury or coroner, swung us up to feed 
buzzards, and leave our helpless families to die, and laugh at 
their agonies ! For them we reiterate the position. For them, 
in that old field, we had a special Christmas gift to be be- 
queathed in instalments, one-half cash, the other half ready 
money, both to he paid right immediately, nowl But Blocker's 
"protracted meeting," his praying, begging, gapeing, choking, 
all come up before the court as so many incontestible, irre- 
fragible proofs that he was a "wolf in sheep's hide, a perfect 
snake in the grass, a cat's paw. only to be used by our deadly 
viperous foes, to seduce us, even to villainously, Arnold-like, 
betray us into a den of thieves, not into a house of prayer and 
justice, where the guilty are punished, the innocent protect- 
ed. So we, not having murder in our hearts, seeing his cow- 
iirdice, his lack of manhood, and knowing him only fit to be- 
tray, knowing our vow in this 'particular, we simply took Sir 
Rial Blocker, delivered him, not to the inhuman agency, but 
to his father. "Mr. Blocker, wo have brought Kial to you," 
said Jack, "lor we see he cannot stand the racket — he will 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 51 

give up — even to men he knows will butcher him — has not 
the valor to demand and protect the right — even sacred rights 
of his home and fireside. We do not wish to kill him, but 
our agreement compells us so to do if he betrays us. We will, 
therefore, without any violence to your dear son, yield him 
to you, with our kindest regards to you, and no evil to Rial. 
But, sir, we mean business — we will go to the court house be- 
fore any good judge or competent board of arbitrament ; but 
deep down into our narrow home will we sink before we will 
yield like whipped curs and dastard cowards to that mean, 
base, contemptible, ill-mannerly, woman-imposing, children- 
murdering band, who favor Potter, and wish to drive all la- 
boring, honest men, women and even children out of the val- 
ley. So we bid you a kind good day !" 

At another time we were eating breakfast. They surround 
the house, but we, not going out, having good appetites and 
better consciences, and like Davy Crocket in the Legislature, 
"seeing nothing to be scared at," they stood round, like boys 
courting, with hands in pockets, turned round, and, as usual, 
"went home without any game." 

CAMP FIRES 

were burning brightly on the roadside, the stars of heaven 
glittered with unusual lustre, the gentle breezes stirred the 
leaves, our only canopj^, when a band of men came in pur- 
suit of the outlaws, the notorious marksmen of Montgomery 
county, the men who "could drive the bottom out of a bottle 
and shoot in at the neck at that." And here they toddled, 
hurrahing, joking, making sport of so many hunting "two 
cowards, who would run from their own shadows, or go to 
camp-meeting devotions, should an owl hoot !" 

When, all at once, "ah ! woful case !" 

The fire light blazed full in face ; 
And cholera-morbus or some bad luck, 

Hitched right now, a sudden tuck, 
So to their heels, so full of oil, 

Plunging headlong, leaving all spoil, 
Crying (about three miles from camps) 

"We know what's ailing the ugly scamps; 
They've left the tire for us to come up, 

Then from bitterness we drink tlie cup ; 
But, if they would take off their arms, 

Come out like children, do no harm, 
We could whip them in fair fight, 

But never git us to that light !" 

So we remained all night, took a good nap ; one sleeping, 
the other acting sentinel, and no rules of war necessarj" to 
keep us awake. 



52 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

CHAPTEE XVI. 

There is no reason why this region should not become the 
world's greatest sanitarium and most fashionable resort. It 
has every advantage and the beauty of all the other noted 
health and pleasure resorts combined, and all on a far grander 
scale. 

Jack and Eud 
ev^er and anon would come in home — to sweet home! enjoy 
the smiles of angel wives and fond children, who would look 
up wistfully, sorrowfully, into parent's eyes, as if to say, " O 
dear papa, how we miss you ! Can't you stay now? Won't 
those bad, bad men let you stay here with mamma and us — 
won't they, dear papa?" 

Such expressions called forth an unshaken resolve in the 
bosoms of Jack and Bud to stay and live and die and be 
buried here on Ion's Creek. Accordingly, one beautiful day 
in July, Jack seized Lucinda gently by the arm — that arm 
he embraced away back in Georgia fourteen long years before 
— and said in persuasive tenderness, "Dear one of my life! 
let's walk upon the side of this beautiful hill ; I wish to show 
you something you never saw before." Lucinda. somewhat 
wondering, took his arm, and about one hundred paces from 
the homestead, Jack, pausing, lifting himself erect, humbly, 
yet mildly and very positively, said : " M}^ lovel}^ wife, you 
have ever been a constant source of brightest, sweetest com- 
fort to me. Your smiles are my sunshine, your sweet melody 
chants reminiscences of yon pure dome not built with hands; 
your gentle hand, j'^our kind heart, may soon see me no more. 
1 ma}' fall bj?^ the ruthless hand of a secret foe. lean promise 
you no abiding security. Now. right here, beneath this 
weeping willow, with the "dark rock pines, like tossing 
plumes, o'er my lonely grave,' to cast their shadows, will be 
my long home; here 1 want you, dear wife of my care and 
my deepest love, to have m}^ body decently laid away to rest, 
and a simple slab to mark the place, with these words: 
" (xlory to Grod in the highest; peace on earth, good will 
to men." 1 expect to die with you, Lucinda. Come, what 
will you?^ — I am resolved." 

Lucinda, j^ale and trembling, broke this aw^ful conference 
with, " Dearest hope of my short life ! your resolve springs 
from your affection to me and j^our sweet little angels yonder, 
but we have never doubted — no, dear one — your attachment; 
but can we not live and love in some other beautiful country 
as well as here? I would die to have to visit this hillside to 
see your grave; 3^ou, dear one, cold beneath the sod ! These 
prejudiced, unreasonable mortals, fired with malice, will take 
your dear life; then all I can do is to follow your pale corjjsfr 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 53 

to this lonesome grave ; and, O, dear Jack, my husband ! 
what will become of our little dear, sweet children?" 

" Well, Lucinda, my thoughtful angel, will you go with 
me, or go back to Georgia, that 1 may come to you ? Your 
advice, in the long run, may be best." 

"Yes, dear; anywhere in the wide world. Willingly will 
I go to Georgia's bright land, where we can love God, live in 
peace, and school our dear children in the fear of kind -Heaven. 
Where your sweet voice can greet me, your loving hands 
minister to me; and your charge — think, dear, of seven little 
helpless children. Thej' look to you; this silent grave can 
never clothe and feed and educate them." 

These words, as well as the urgent requests of friends, so 
anxious to see Jack removed out of so imminent peril, made 
deep impress on the mind of the solid warrior. 

FRIENDS MANY 

flocked to see the Daniel boys, but an evil eye was ever on 
the alert. Abuse, slander, bodilj- injury, were sure to come 
upon any one who had the hardihood to say, " We are friends 
to the Daniel boys." 

THE NEWSPAPERS CLAIMED 

their friends so numerous as to evade detection, even with 
blood-hounds ! Among these true, trusty, and worthy friends 
to truth, honor, and justice, must be chronicled the name of 
Dr. Flood, a physician of note, of long experience, and whose 
care, energj^ sympathy, and punctual attention to distressed 
humanit}', won for him the undivided respect of all well- 
thinking men and women. With him must be linked Mr. 
Coker, a well-to-do farmer, commanding the respect of all 
around, and a warm advocate of justice; one who could not 
be bribed; one whose heart beat too nobly to betray a friend 
into death. 

BLOCKER SICK. 

The excessive heat and fatigue of Mr. Blocker brought on 
a violent fevel-, and for some days his life seemed to suspend 
pon a passing moment. 

Daj^ after day — long nights of toil, anxiety and untiring 
vigilance — which, by the solemn glimmer of the burning ta- 
per, gave a death-like appearance to everything, and increased 
parental hope, sinking ever and anon into despair. While 
the fever seemed, like a boisterous wave, to roll over Mr. 
Blocker's youthful brow, parching his blood, his cheek flushed, 
his mind frenzied, his speech wild, the whole household ab- 
sorbed in grief's deepest gloom, to see son and brother walk- 
ing through Death's dark vale, so gloomy, lonesome and 
dreary, his face no longer seen, his cheering voice silenced 



54 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

forever by the dart of the grim King of Terrors : in all this 
unhappj^ state, a pattering of hoofs, a sudden halt, a door 
gently but hurriedly opens, and in steps a man aged 73 years, 
walks directly to the bed of suffering, weighs lungs, takes 
temperature, and administers restoratives. Yes, tears dim 
his aged eyes; his experience says, "You are in a serious 
stage, dear young bo}'^, whom I love for your parents' sake; 
but precaution and skill must be aided by the great Physi- 
cian who raised Lazarus, to secure your uprising again. But 
I will do all 1 can to alleviate pain, and give you an easy 
passway to the grave, if the Giver of life sees best to call 
your youthful spirit to rest." 

This strange messenger was Dr. Flood. He waited by the 
bedside of poor, suffering Blocker long days and sleepless 
nights, looked his case full in the face, did all skill and age 
could do — rode through storms, heat and darkness to alle- 
viate pain ; and, at last. Heaven decreed that Blocker should 
live. Of course, the family would thank kind Heaven, and 
ever hold in memory and esteem the name of Dr. Flood. 

Now, this very Dr. Flood was one of Jack's and Bud's 
truest friends. Mr. Coker, also, was a man of a big heart, 
open to suffering, above scandal, honest to the penny, and 
remained at home, attending chiefly to " Mr. Coker's own af- 
fairs," and made money by letting other people's business 
•'wag its own caudal apparatus." Jack and Bud and E.ial 
o^ten took shelter near his residence, and are not ashamed to 
confess we often enjoyed his hospitality, which we could not 
have done, had we belonged to the " beautiful band " that 
"carries 'em up the creek, and makes turtle-bait out of 
them." 

RIFLES ! RIFLES ! RIFLES I 

Yes, rifles could be heard out of every mouth, Jiy -trap, that 
had nothing else to do. Dr. Flood, seeing our surroundings, 
believing us grossly, unmercifully irampled upon by men de- 
void of reason and fair argument, responded to our call to 
purchase for us two good, true, never-fait Winchester rifles. 

They saddled him right now, thrust him into prison. Why? 
Because " the band " would have exterminated him, obliter- 
ated, yes, torn him limb from limb; because they agreed 
among themselves, " If any man or woman, or even helpless 
child, or old gray- haired sire, expresses his or her or its sen- 
timents favoring the Daniel boys, by virtue of us. the band 
supreme, they must smell the patching, dig, root, hog, or die, 
fall up one side, lie down the other ; because we, the band, say 
so, 80, so." 

POISON WAS RESORTED TO 

to cany into effect their diabolical schemes. Biscuits, 'with 
poison in them, were found in Jack Daniel's yard. The 



HAIR- BREADTH ESCAPES OP R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 55 

baud hold one of their conferences, without a president or 
bishop, and resolved as follows : 

" Be it resolved. Inasmuch as Jack, Bud and Eial are in the 
mountain fastnesses, and since they seem proof against peril, 
defying even the voice of our band, we, therefore, the band 
that rule, whose word is judge and jury, thought, decision, 
and action, issue this our secret proclamation, thai some poi 
son, even str^'chnia, be put in some biscuit, tempting morsels 
to children, and thus kill one of Jack's children; by this 
means draw him in home, and hag our game, xi co])y of this 
be placed in the mind of every member of the royal band. 
All in favor, say, Here! " 

Of course no one would be so green as to hazard life by 
silence at this stage of six and six, and the Devil's deal. 
Therefore, in keeping with their Cain's Parliament, the val 
leys gave back the foul, guttural echo, full of sulphur, "Here ! 
Here am I ! See me! Listen to your brag pup! Kill the 
whole family! Stick pine splinters in 'em; set 'em afire! 
Turn the world bottom side up! Cut down the north pole, 
if we can jest git 'em in our p^ws, to deal out jostice to 'em 
— the cowards ! thieves ! dogs ! " 

The supposition was, Jack would come in, drawn by the ten- 
der ties of a father. In pursuance of their sulphur scheme, 
poison was found dropped about over the yard, and Pi-ovidence, 
blessed be Heaven! found it, as we will let a few pages fur 
ther on tell. And said bait proved an invaluable talisman to 
Jack and Bud, who, like wise men of business, put up this 
capital in bank, and drew for them the Dutchman's one per 
cent. But you inquire, " Did they actually put out poison?'' 
Yes, reader ; and you will see what use was made of this 
death warrant in due season. 

While the boys were playing hide and seek — crawl into 
your caves and pull the cave in after you, etc., etc., reports 
were noised abroad that Lucinda would "go back to Georgia, 
if means were hand}'." 

While Madame Rumor was ti])-toeing to defame Jacks 
reputation, by insinuations of his dear wife's coolness and 
burning disposition to leave Jack and seek refuge in her 
childhood's fairy ]»ark, away back in lovely Georgia ; while 
this was roaring, frothing, fuming, up to scandal's acme, be- 
hold ! a letter, post mark, "Georgia.'' Trembling hands open, 
scan, examine the signature. Tears come streaming down 
her emaciated, but once fair cheeks, and calling hei' children 
around her, (for whom else could she summon?) she wiped 
the bitter tears from her eyes, slowly opening the precious 
missive, read, witl) tren^bling modulation, the following 



5fi HAIR-BREA^^TH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

LETTEK FROM JeFFEKSON," GA. 

" Mrs. Lucinda Daniel : 

.Dear Friend: 1, and others equally interested in your 
behalf, feeling it duty sacred and inviolate, and sj^mpathizing 
with 3'ou and your little children in your sad bereavement, 
your ill-misfortune, and reposing utmost confidence in Jack's 
probity, and the inflexible justice of his operations, we feel it 
a duty we cannot forbear to offer you timely aid to move to 
this region, where, as you know, all things can concur for 
your benefit, at least till Jack can have a fair, open -and shut 
trial, to be cleared, as we believe from testimonj' clear and 
irrefutable, will certainly follow trial. From what we learn, 
we are induced to conclude that Jack and Bud will be able, 
in a short time, to surrender to a good sheriff", go before a 
good jury, and then you can go to your pleasant home again. 

We trust that you will let discreticfu be the better part of 
valor, and write at once, what fumK are requisite to bring 
you safely and comfortably to Jefferst)n. Ijove to all, from 

Your Friend and Brother." 

To this the following came straight to hand : 

Ion's (Jreec. Montgoi<Iery Go.;- Akk , July lOtb, 1SS3. 
I)ea7- Friend and Brother : 

Your kindness has been noted. T would accept your prof- 
ered assistance, gladly do so, but fo'^/pne thing. Jack has 
been drawn into a vortex by ill designing men. who, from 
the very first, have dogged on his trail, tr^'ing to seduce him 
into a sworn band of what in Georgia would be called 
straight out robbers. He has killed a man, I suppose, but 
aggravations keen produced death or death. His character is 
as fair in my estimation as the first day he led me to the sa 
cred altar; therefore, I am firm in this, that I will remain 
here; for soon, ah, soon ! Jack will get a fair trial, and, bless 
Heaven, he will manifest to the generous public his integrity. 
With many thanks, ] remain. 

Your sister and friend. Lucinda Daniel." 

That the public may know something definite at this point? 
J will insert a correspondence to the wide spread Jackson 
Herald. Eobert S. Howard, editor and proprietor. We quote 
from Volume ITI, Friday, Feb. 15th, 1884: 

" [Written for the Jackson Herald.] 

A SKETCH OF THE DANIEL TROUBLES IN ARKANSAS.— 

THE SO-CALLED OLTTLAWS.— SUICIDE OF JACK 

DANIEL'S WIFE.— BRINGING THE SEVEN 

LITTLE ORPHANS TO THEIR 

RELATIVES IN GEORGIA. 

BY W. T. BENNETT. 

Mr. Editor : It would, no doubt, be a matter of interest to 
a great many of your readers to learn something of the truth 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. OY 

•concerning the late troubles of '• Bud"' and Jack Daniel, for- 
mei'l}' well-knovvn and highly respected citizens of Jackson 
county, but now rendered notorious by newspaper scribblers 
and sensationalists as the terrible Arkansas outlaws. 

Thej' are the grandsons of Wilkins Haynie and the invin- 
cible Eussell Daniel, names familiar to all the old citizens of 
Jackson county, men whom they have always delighted to 
honor. 

Jack Daniel married Lucinda Potts, granddaughter of 
Moses Potts, about fifteen years ago, and shortly afterwards 
left friends aTul homes to trj' their fortunes in the wild West. 

They lived for several years in Saline county, Ark. Be 
coming dissatisfied, they moved, about four years ago, into 
The section known as the three corners of Yell, Montgomery, 
and Grarland counties." 

This, coming fresh from one of Georgia's best mathemati- 
cians, writers, and officers, must, in some degree, attract the 
llioughtful, truthful, honorable class of mankind, and de- 
velop, 

1st- A man named Jack Daniel lived in Cieorgia, and was 
respected, as well as his great ancestors. 

2d. A family named Potts also lived in Georgia, and were 
likewise honorable. 

3d. Jack Daniel and Lucinda Potts, in course of time, mar- 
ried in Georgia. 

4th. After a bit, they moved to Saline County, Ark., 
Avhere they were still held in view as good, stanch members. 

5th. Moving, they settled in the three corners. 

NOW HEAR THE LETTER AGAIN. 

''He located in a fine grazing and farming country, went 
lo work with a vim. erected comfortable quarters, cleared and 
fenced a nice little farm." 

We see, without spectacles, that this notorious Jack Dan- 
iel was a ver}- curious outlaw. Instead of robbing mails, break- 
ing into banks, robbing trains, and such high minded pursuits, 
be settled quietly down, went to menial drudgery, tried to 
touch Scripture where it says, "In the sweat of thy face 
«halt thou eat bread all the days of thy lifie." He must have 
had a very good opinion of his neighbors, or they did of him, 
else he could have made poor speed building houses and fences. 

" LETTER I HEKE I " 

All square! lets proceed to business: 

" In the meantime, his brother, ' Bud,' moved to him, and 
both, by honest toil, were fast reaching that point where they 
could easily earn a competent livelihood. It is always at this 
juncture that the despoiler comes. Jack Daniel became in- 
volved in a difficulty with one William Potter. I will now 



58 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

proceed to enumerate some of the differences between Jack 
Daniel and 

BILL POTTER. 

I made diligent inquiry of all persons I chanced to meet> 
as to the character of the unfortunate Bill Potter, and the 
cause of the hostile feelings existing between him and Jack 
Daniel. While I do not like to speak disparagingly of a man 
whose lips are forever sealed, j^et I deem it my duty, that 
justice may be done all parties, to give an unbiased state- 
ment of the reputation he bore among his neighbors, those 
who had the opportunity of knowing him best. Potter was 
a very offensive character in the neighborhood. He was a 
haughty, overbeai'ing kind of a man. He didn't get along 
on friendly terms with any of his neighbors." 

COMMENT. 

If the bulk of what these good men told Mr. Bennett — 
and if there be a wrong up the branch, it is in Montgomery 
county, for Mr. B. is not addicted to stretching the blanket or 
covering up crime — if the bulk, 1 say, is true, ain't it a world's 
wonder that he lived to be grown ? Bad man among his 
neighbors? overbearing? If a man is not right among his 
neighbors, who, under good heavens, can he be right among? 
A man who is not at peace with his neighbors is never at 
peace at home, but, like the adder wounded, turns about and 
bites itself. A man will manufacture his neighbors, like cloth^ 
either good or bad. I once saw a man going to Texas, be- 
cause his neighbors in Alabama were bad. I told him he 
would find some very bad neighbors in Texas. In a few 
weeks another said, "I regret to leave my neighbors ; I have 
such good ones!" I said to him, "Never fear, brother; you 
will have good neighbors in Texas, for a man makes his 
neighbors." If Jack didn't have high heeled times with such 
a neighbor, it is a curiosity far beyond Barnum's Museum. 
''letter!" "here!" 

" He and his brothers set themselves up as what we would 
term regular 'bullies.' He was a very well-to do man, own- 
ing a good many cows, horses, hogs, etc.; lived in a section 
where there was very good range for stock, both winter and 
summer. Very little of the land having been taken up, it 
was a sparsel}^ settled neighborhood. His stock grazed on 
this government land, having an extensive range, and Potter 
used all Idnds of strategy to prevent others from homestead- 
ing or preempting any of this land, and thereby interfering 
with his stock range." 

COMMENT. 

You may naturally expect a storm, even a trash-mover, a 
pine-twister, out of such dense, green-fringed clouds of human 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OP R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 59 

corruption as has aggregated right here in this man, who has 
" been cut down as the tops of ears of corn." Not onh^ med- 
dling with private interests, but throwing aside the veil, 
coming square out like a Koman gladiator, prepares to rush 
upon the thick bosses of government possessions. 

'' I,ETTER !" " HERE AM I ! " 

"About four years ago, Mr. Killian, the constable for that 
district, moved into the settlement, on the Hot Springs and 
Blufton road. Mr. Potter began to aggravate and belie him 
in every possible manner, and it would have ended in some- 
thing serious, hadn't Potter's " nerves become so affected that 
he drew in his horns.' Then, when Jack Daniel moved into 
the neighborhood, shortly afterward, Potter began on him. 
He told all manner of falsehoods on him over the country. 
He accused Jack of stealing his stock, and every other mean 
thing he could think of, so his neighbors say. Jack fonud 
one of his colts dead, and went and told Potter,who went off 
and accused him of killing it. To Daniel's face. Potter was 
his best friend. To sum up his character in a word, he was 
a perfect sneak — of all men the most detestible.'' 

COMMENT. 

This is plain, naked, unvarnished truth, coming from a pure 
heart, too brave and noble to reproach the dead, but com- 
pelled to hew to the line, let the chips fall east, west, north, 
or south. Had he not been a bad judge of human nature, or 
had he studied Messrs. Fowler and Wells, Jack would not 
have become so notorious, but Mr. Killian, J. P., would have 
been hunted by " blood-hounds in the mountain fastneFses, 
and Jack would have been shorn of all his newspaper noto- 
riety." 



CHAPTEK XVII. 

Jack Writes to Potter — Potter Paises a Row — No Coward — 
Homesteading Jack's Land — Shooting Blocker, &c., &c. 

LETTER CONTINUED, 

"Along about this time" (alluding to Jack's letter already 
published) "Potter and his brother raised a row with Jack 
Daniel one day while working theroad. Jack bore with him 
that da}^ as long as he could, and went and got his satchel 
that he carried his dinner in, and hung it on his arm. Potter 
thought this meant something and discontinued his remarks." 

COMMENT. 

Here looms up, like volcanic corruption, the true character, 
strongly defined, of the man Pottei- — seek advantage on the 
highway — while engaged in government labor — beneath the 



60 HAIR BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

stars and stripes — hoping to intimidate bj^ numbers — and the 
more easily scatter his seeds of scandal — and bias public 
opinion. 

J once knew two boys who went against thj judgment of 
the entire work-hands on the road ; persecuted a poor minis- 
ter, who was ready to mount his horse to preach about sixty 
miles off; said they, "we don't see no use in so much d — d 
preaching!" Before twelve months the silent grave had 
done its work. 

CHARACXKK OF JACK DANIEL. 

"Jack Daniel is a quiet, determined and brave man. No 
cowardly blood ever coursed the veins of a Daniel. The}^ act 
upon the principle that there is no law, whether human or 
divine, that requires a man to stand everything — that 
"Forbearance may reach its appointed bounds 
And tarn to vengeance there." ' 

This is his character deliniated by one of our best men. 
Even Mr. Bennett, the scholar, in his letter, he says, "About 
the first of July, 1882, Potter got a man, who called himself 
Dr. Emery, to come in and homestead a part of Jack's land. 
Bill goes with Emery to lay it off for him. Jack had cleared 
and fenced part of the land with the intention of homestead- 
ing it himself He told Emery that he must do one of two 
things — pay him for his improvements or get out at once. 
Emer}- got out. Since that time Emery has poisoned his 
wife, and is now in the woods." 

Yes, dear reader, but no blood- bounds, no "skillful and 
brave officers" are after him. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Diary — Hunt Jack and Bud and Rial — Arrest Coker — Dr. Flood 

Goes to Jail — Good Citizens Threatened and Abused — Find 

Jack and Bud — People Captured — Blocker Also. 

Ist. About 1870 Jack moved to Arkansas. 

2d. Behaved himself when he got there. 

3d. Bud joined him, and they move higher. 

4th. Blocker's hide brushed — Potter killed. 

5tb. Every enemy of justice roars and vamps. 

6tb. They had bad eyes ; couldn't see them in the old field ; 
in the breakfast room. 

7th. They were fretted, and couldn't come a few feet from 
the road to speak friendly. 

8th. They call Jack and Bud cowards, before women. 

9th. Employ good detective, and, to help out with marked 
certainty, get two good blood-hounds. 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OP R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 61 

10th. Scour the mountains; press men into painful service; 
visit Mr. Coker. 

11th. Treat Mr. Coker coolly; arrest him; release him; like 
the serpent, slime him; bang him. 

12th. Find Jack and Bud napping; carry them back ; burn, 
hang, blight, poison, strangle them, cut off their ears for 
pen wipers, to be used in public schools, &c. 

WHILE THIS 

state of affairs was in session, Jack and Bud consulted with 
the Sheriff of Montgomer}' county, and various friends were 
uniting redoubled energies to see a fair trial, confident of the 
boys' justification, but all unwilling to see them appear be- 
fore the general assizes of Yell countj'. Of course, every 
man who did not openly sbelTdown the corn, that he cursed 
the ground on which Daniel walked, was registered forth- 
with as a snake in the grass. The plot had been carefully 
laid, to place the so called outlaws in the power of law and 
justice ; the place was appointed ; time regulated ; but, be- 
hold ! Blocker's relatives and friends, interested, advise him 
of this matter, and forthwith he steps out to go to give up to 
the right men at the right time and place and for the right 
jjurpose. Bud and Jack, also highly elated at this prospect 
of a speedy reunion with home and its endearments, were 
ready, when, to the surprise of all, some gentleman had eyes; 
were determined to see them in jail in Yell county. So they 
arrest Blocker, who turns State's exidence, tells the boys' 
hiding place, and they arrest the men coming to take .Jack 
and Bud. So the jig was now up, and it bid very fair to 
make turtle bait up the creek. 

Armed with precious information from Sir Blocker, who 
lacked a great deal of what Greneral Washington lacked very 
little of — of truth, bravery, and honor, they put out post 
haste; making fii-e fly out of flint rocks, to Mr. Coker's, at 
which place they were supposed to camp. Coming up, arrest- 
ing Coker, dealing more like madmen than human, the}- at 
once demanded Jack and Bud. 

He told them he had harbored the boys, it was true, but 
only to the more surely entrap them '-'into your hands." 
Said he, "if 3'ou will come with me I will demonstrate my 
innocency." 

Away they went; Coker soon satisfied them of his integrity, 
and was at once released to go home. He went to Jack and 
Bud, near a cave about one half mile from Mr. C's home, and 
soon opened the sack to let the mad cat out; told them blood- 
hounds and all devices necessary to capture old Sambo, if 
necessary, were on foot, and they were advised to hunt a 
more salubrious clime. Jack and Bud swallowed down this 



62 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

bit of news with gravity ; soon picked up good Winclaester 
rifles ; off for a "buck.'' The sun was awful hot, and soon au 
old antlered denizen of the wild haunts came along with his 
"chair on his head," when, bang! and a Winchester biscuit 
had stretched his symmetrical form, so fat, on the ground. 
Tearing off hide, they looked about, and soon four large gob- 
blers yielded to Winchester. The latter were given to Mr. 
Coker — while Mr. Deer, Esq., was carefully dried, as well as 
the season would allow, for future campaigns. 

Everything seeming so muddy, and to avoid effusion of 
blood, as well as the gross exposure of Mr. Coker, the boys 
left camp on Saturday morning, and traveled across wild 
mountains for about fifteen miles. About two hours b}' sun 
on Saturday evening they halted at the foot of a mountain, 
from which place they could see any hostile movements some 
distance, and cooked some venison ; prepared to rest for the 
night ; one sleeping while the other didn't snooze much. 

Things passed off quietly, but the boys were confident 
when the blood-hounds came to Coker's, their camp would be 
outed, and Coker arrested, while hounds would hunt them 
across the hills, and soon overtake them. They had seen the 
declared intention in the papers, to hunt them down, and 
that that "skillful and brave officer, detective Bentley, would 
get up fifty good men, and have two blood-hounds, for which 
information we will ever be grateful, dear gentlemen editors; 
may your paper circulate to the iiorth pole, and make you 
rich! rich ! !" 

so THE BOYS 

concluded to come to open field engagement if pursued, and 
do the bloody work right here, not down in the settlements, 
to disturb the peaceful habitations. But two men, even in so 
just a cause, are slender, set up side by side with fifty men, 
and two men more in the shape of blood-hounds. Blood- 
hounds are too severe to describe, holding on to the unfortu- 
nate victim, the blood only increasing rage, while they tear 
limb from limb. So great is their strength and vim that a 
man can be handled as easily as a pig ; added to this, they 
are so brave as to be selected for the most hazardous enter- 
prises. So the boys were determined not to be butchered by 
the innocent dumb brutes, agged on by inhuman men ; but 
threats are cheap ; but pulling off the bear's ears means busi- 
ness. What could they do? If they step out and say "Gen- 
tlemen, we are at your mercy!" the turtles would be likely 
not to bite hooks soon ; and if they came out openly to give 
up, the blood-hounds would blot them from the face of mother 
sand ball. So, looking about, a large pine log had fallen 
about one hundred yards from the road, and lay in a favor- 
able posture to bring things to bay — hold in check till con- 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OP R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 63 

sideration could take its seat. So, from Saturday evening, 
two hours by sun, till Sunday morning about ten o'clock, the 
boys waited in all patience for the "brave and skillful officer" 
to come up That bright Sunday morning was the turning 
point in their lives. How our hearts yearned to see our dear 
wives and children, to visit Clod's dear house, the home of 
our dear mother and father, to sing praises, and enjoy the 
company of good neighbors; but, alas! here we were waiting 
for blood-hounds and men equally as bloody. 



CHAPTEE XIX. 

Church Captured — Nice Dinner — Letter Read by the Minister — 

Good Counsel — Friends Give Heed, &c., &c. 

Stepping back a few days, we find the boys on one beauti- 
ful Sabbath morning, nearing a house of worship. 

"Let's write a letter of warning, Bud," said Jack, and have 
the good man to be so kind as to read it aloud to all, that we 
may set ourselves right, and save innocent men." 

"I think it a capital idea," rejoined Bud, "and here, under 
this oak is our place, as we are near the house." 

LETTER OF WARNING. 

Inasmuch as the Daniel boys are accused gravely before 
an intelligent and generous people, we, the accused, now in 
3'our midst for a good purpose, 

WARN OUR FRIENDS AGAINST DANGER. 

If the authorities compel you to aid in search of the so-called 
outlaws, we advise you and all friends to go, and not suffer 
loss hy fine or prison. But, having no evil motive toward 
any, and to avoid personal injury, we forewarn all friends to 
stay behind when our enemies make an attack. 
EespectfuUy submitted, 

Daniel Boys." 

The boys asked permission to enter the church, and took 
their seats quietly in rear, and the good man read the letter 
at the close. After service the boys had a pleasant conversa- 
tion, a choice dinner, and then went quietly away. 

Why did not some neighbors run off, get guns, men, and, it 
necessary, blood-hounds ; come up and ajrest outlawry ? They 
had time, opportunity and means. The naked truth, away 
down under the matter is, "Their friends were the men that 
worshipped," while their enemies fished, hunted, cursed, drank, 
took men up the creek, and fattened turtles, &c., &c. 

The newspaper sensation, rank as a Pole Cat, Esq., fresh 
from blood-houndism, sent out an impression that the house, 
congregation, preacher, "whole kit and biling," were "took 



64 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

in out of bad weather" by these notorious outlaws! But, like 
a cipher on the ris^ht of decimals, or an old woman's dance, 
it all did amount to nothing; only exposed the old meanness 
of the enemies. No one in the neighborhood of the church ever 
complained of being captured by outlaws. 

Back to our fortification, behind the trusty old pine log. 
There we lay, snug as u bug, till about ten o'clock, when 
whoop and hollow, clash and clatter of hoofs over flint rocks, 
announced the time right here when ''Greek meets Greek, 
and then comes in the Injun hug, and tug of war." 

"Here they come, Bud," said Jack, and we see the blood- 
hounds just before !" 

"Yes, and the blood- hounds are right at the men, so the 
men will be here when the dogs get here!" said Bud, very 
calmly. 

"If we can kill the dogs and Bently, we will have no more 
trouble ; no more blood to shed ; for the hounds are the cause 
now," said Jack, in his usual mild tone. 

Bud interrupted him with — "let's get two in a line! let's 
get Bentley and the dogs !" 

By this time the band were about one hundred jards, and 
a little to the left, while "hurrah ! hoopee boys, smell them 
up, the d — d rascals ; the cowards will soon be overhauled !" 

When the dogs had come down the road to the precise 
point whore we turned out, and the men were in plain view, 
their braggadocio, contumely and bravery were tested rather 
different from what their Witch of Endor had predestined. 
Lo, all at once, while hope of reward, shining dollars, turtle 
bait, all magnified, and dastard cowards flew before their 
vivid imagination — "Spang! bang! rang! cabang ! dwang ! 
up rose smoke from behind that log — ofl' came men out yon- 
der! down on the ground in a twinkling, and bang! bing ! 
brang ! kersmash ! went guns from the brave men (?) in the 
road, while bullets ! bullets! all shapes and sizes, and aimed 
in all directions but the right one, came cyclone-like, twenty 
feet over our heads, making leaves and limbs "look nine ways 
for home." 

But, look yonder ! the horses break rules and rank, gallop 
right off out of such warm weather ; heads and tails up ; sad- 
dle stirrup flapping and whipping, increasing the maddened 
steeds' pace. Bi>t what of Mr. "Brave and skillful Detective" 
now? Everything is still as the grave but one poor fellow, 
who was about to pay dear for his audacity, and was praying 
in earnest appeals to a throne of grace to ease his dying mo- 
ments, and wash his sins away. "O God. save ni}' soul from 
death ; 1 am about to die ; oh, how dark is m}^ heart ! let me 
freely wash in thy dear son's atoning blood ; when thou wak- 
est up the pale denizens of the spirit world, let my spirit be 



HAIE-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 65 

accounted worthy to enter, Lord, with thee ! L have sinned ! 

I am undone ." Here, dear reader, my heart was 

touched — but more so when I could distinctly hear him break 
forth with."0 Lord, there is no use of praying ; m}' soul, my 
deathless spirit is bound to land in hell, anyhow !" 

1 lifted my eyes to heaven in earnest appeals to Him who 
hears prayer, if it springs from the right source, and 1 said : 
O dear Lord, if consistent with thj' righteous dispensation, 
save the poor unfortuuate victim, now crjnng for mercy at 
the dark door of ruin, misery and eternal despair. Thou 
knowest, O righteous Lord, his cause was unjust ; his heart 
fully set in him to do evil ; now thou hast saved me, cans't 
thou not apply the blood of Calvary to his gasping soul — 
and receive him among the just !" 

All this short time, Bentley and his favorite blood- hounds 
and blood}^ men wei'e down, flat as shingles, behind rocks 
and trees, except one poor reprobate who started in with 
bravo heart, but his lower limbs needed Wizzard oil to helj) 
him stand the racket. He was looking over his horee, going 
to knock centre, when all at once, ah, woful case! The old 
pine log belched iron\ a Winchester, struck his gun-stock, 
went down and split his arm in splinters, while away he tod- 
dled, like a turkey gobbler, scared out of the pea patch — 
some say he ran five miles. But Mr. Bentley called to his 
brave men (?) "Come behind shelter, boys, it is suicide to go 
out in open space !" How the weather can change in a few 
moments ! Just a short time gone, and it was N. E. by S. W. 
"D — d rascals, dastard cowards !" Now it is "suicide to get 
out where they can crack your buckskin !" 

"Let's go around, behind them, Bud, and kill Bentley and 
the dogs, and end this matter ; we don't want to hurt good 
men I" 

These words were spoken by Jack Daniel to his brother, 
with a view to not shed more blood. Full well they knew 
if the blood-hounds lived, pursuit was possible and probable, 
and good men would he forced to hunt them, and they in turn 
he forced to defend against assault. But once rid of the cause, 
the effect would vanish. So off went shoes ; noiselessly they 
move; when in nearly a hundred paces of B. and B. H., Bud 
said: "Jack, let's go off; we have killed enough of them noi/J .'" 
So Jack acceeded to this proposition ; but very reluctantly : 
seeing, as he did, the horrible future of Bentlej^ and blood- 
hounds. Nothing was seen of Bentley till away off — when 
he shot at the boys ; but like the gnat on the bull's horn, 
would not have been noticed, if he had kept still. Why didn't 
Bentley come out like a man; sick on his Talismans; tear 
good, honest boys limb from limb? Why, the very conduct 
of this man and the band at this juncture betrays the illegal- 
" 5 



tj(i HAiR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

ity of his mission. Had the Diiniel boys iia.d his fbi-LO, u 
whole company of outlaws would have isurreiidered, or the 
papers would have had a column of bad news. 



CHAPTER XX. 

Br. Flood and Mr. Goker Hung. — Blocker — Scene at the Bridtjf.— 
General Opinion — Freinds and Foes — Reward Offered. 

Leaving Jack and Bud in possession of the icory tiold, 
called " The battle at the Pine Lo^," we will walk out and 
reconnoitre, to take in public and pi-ivato sentiment. i)v. 
Flood bought two tip-top Winchester rifles for Jack and Bud, 
for which he was handsomely paid. Mr. (Joker protected 
them in time of need. This pulled down tier}- indignation 
of the " cattle men," and, in order to secure them against 
outrage, both were safely ensconced in jail, but tualice, and 
outwitted meanness of the lowest grade in moral turpitude, 
came like a thief in darkness, broke the jail, forced the men 
down to a public bridge, and then and there, not having the 
fear of Grod before their eyes, and instigated by the malice of 
the devil, did, with a rope, send those two good men and 
harmless neighbors into eternity! Looking over the crowd, 
3^ou could see one face that seemed to light afresh with hellish 
joy at this crisis. This face was once pale, this stout frame 
once emaciated, just waiting the death angel's turn ot his 
key, but by his bedside waited a man seventy-three years 
old, weighing his chances, and pouring all the oil and wine 
of a grandfather for his recovery. He recovered ; but here, 
shouting, jeering, scoffing, in the very face of the man who 
saved his life, as far as mortal aid goes, here stood Blocker! 
O Blocker! when Death dampens thy brow, how will your 
guilty heart foot the tremendous account ? Traitor to neigh- 
bor! Traitor to the men you solemnly agreed to be firm 
with, and the men who had placed their own lives in peril to 
rectify you ! Traitor to a .good, kind man whose medicine 
traced at the very moment you stood crying, " Down with 
friends of Daniels! Break their d — d necks!" — traced in 
in your proud veins! Have }'0u any conscience? if so, we 
forbear; tor it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder," 
every breath you draw. 

Public sentiment, like volcanoes, will not slumber evei*. So 
when this inhuman piece of smartness was announced, good 
men I'ose up, not to hunt the "mountain fastnesses" for Dan- 
iels, but to seek for "Turtle-baiters," and the Governor, look- 
ing the matter square in the eyes, offered a handsome and 
just reward for them. So they were convinced "what was 
sauce for the goose was sauce for the gander," and pulled up 
tents— pulled for a more salubrious clime. At least fifteen 

LOF 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 67 

good men (?) who went with that " brave and skilful officer," 
and his braver bloodhounds, were disposed to go off "between 
two suns." 

But whfere is Blocker? what became of him? We have 
an idea where he wiil settle after he quits " Old Time. As 
the poet says ; 

" Where no snow, or sleet, 

Or any aggravating printer, 
Can bother with ice liis feet, 
He's gone where's no winter." 

The rest have skedaddled, and we hope they will never 
forget the Golden Eule, or let slip from memory the Old Pine 
Log ! 

LEAVING THB LOG. 

This brings us to smoke and ground tore up, and runaway 
horses ; men couched down behind pines and rocks, and Bud 
and Jack going across the heights toward " Home, Sweet 
Home!" Onward they moved, from crag to crag, till after 
fifteen weaiy miles the}' came to loved ones waiting. When 
the brave men (?) abused Jack's wife — when they first hunted 
them, they called them cowards, and said, " We'll soon git 
'em," she replied, in laconic style, " They will get some, too." 
^ow the boys relate how the whole shebang had scattered 
like partridges, and that hope of stay was out of reason — to 
prepare for action to leave home for eastern longitude. 

THEY STARTED 

about midnight. Taking the poisoned bread left for Jack's 
children in biscuits, they marched about two miles, where a 
cool spring and bubbling branch wound among the hills, and 
knowing the bloodhounds would pursue — be hot and thirstj'^ 
here at the branch, they walked about fifty yards to one side, 
dropped the well-prepared biscuit, and moved on, taking a 
cool drink at Chalybeate Springs away in the night. 

They passed on to Washita i"iver, got in a canoe, moved 
down to a little city, Cedar Grlades. Here they heard men 
trying to rally men to go "hunt down the outlaws T It 
sounded odd to hear men so far off calling to go after two little 
men! Here we leave them for a while, to go back a step. 

TUESDAY. 

after the log engagement on Sunday, here come men, hounds, 
-and also Mr. Coker, tied, with feet fastened under an old 
mule, coming up to Jack's house; the faithful dogs come on, 
right on the track. "This is the damned rascal who caused 
them men to be killed," said one man to Jack's wife, pointing 
to Mr. Coker. On they went, down to the creek out about 
fifty yards ; but for some unknown cause, the dogs took 
deadly sick — in fact, died dead as Hector ! Somebody said, 
"Maybe they were snake-bit." Here blood-houndism ceased, 
and Mr. Brave Bentley stopped, and Jack and Bud escaped. 
That biscuit was valuable. 



68 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OP R. J, AND BUD DANIEL. 

CHAPTEE XXI. 

Jack's Wife Mistreated — Parted from Him at Midnight on a 
Bluff — Prepares to Come Away — Furgerson's Work. — Her 
Death — Children Brought East. 

Abuse, scandal — everything to fret a good woman, came in 
the pathway of Lucinda Daniel. Some said, "Jack's condut 
is doing this !" But permit Jack to say, Lucinda Daniel was 
offered money and protection to come away, but refused, be- 
lieving a proper and just trial would be for Jack's good. She 
believed he was just in his dealings with Potter, and knew 
he was at the pine log. Jack even determined to stay there, 
and picked out his burial place, but his wife and friends said, 
"Getaway from traitors, and blood-thirsty men, who will 
slip around to snatch 3'our life away in the dark." 

Furgerson bought part of Jack's land, and threw Jack's 
wife and children out of house and home — took their cooking 
utensils, barely leaving a pittance. This preyed on Mrs. Dan- 
ieVs mind. She lived under the impression that some one 
would kill her children if she did not sacrifice herself She 
said, "My death, dear children, will be your life." Even the 
faithful dogs of Jack and Bud were cruelly shot down in their 
own yards, while little children and women were near enough 
when the gun tired and the animal fell — the blood spouted 
out on the clothing of the family, even falling under Mrs. 
Daniel's dress to die. Yes, kind reader, buckshot went whiz- 
zing right in among poor, defenceless women and children; 
and this would ruin any mind! You scoundrels that shot 
the dogs, stole my place from my wife, turned my dear little 
children out on the cold world — you, sirs, are the "Jack's 
conduct" that unhinged my dear companion's facult}', and 
carried her down to an untimely grave! Swallow it down ! 
Gulp it, ye imps of Satan ! You know your hearts are as 
corrupt as Sulphurdom's meanest reprobate ! God will judge 
your guilty souls, while good men will yet fill up lands on 
Ion's Creek ! 

DOG SHOOTING 

This infuriated mob shot Jack's dog in the door, among the 
children, and the poor animal staggered off and died under the 
bed. They shot one of Bud's dogs; the children were near 
enough to lay hand on it; shot about 40 yards, and the blood 
flew on Mary, Bud's dear wife. 

They poisoned Dr. Emery's wife, then ran him out of 
"Turtle Bait" valley. The}'' knew people would revolt and 
rise in arms against a man who would still the heart's 
blood of his nearest and truest friend — the wife of his bosom 
— so they completed the drama, rung the bell, curtain rises, 
and, lo, Dr. Emery's loving consort is no more amid the liv- 



HAIR-BPEADTH ESCAPES R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 69 

ing. Then these good accountants stepped so gracefully over 
to their infernal ledger, charged the whole account up to Dr. 
Emery : Dr. To poisoning his wife. Or. — Well, to make a 
long letter shert, they "got him out," as they loved to express 
it. 

MR. BENTLEY, ESQ. 

came to Jack's house, and threatened to burn down the house, 
with wife and children in it. Eight here I will say, Mr. 
Bentley may have some faint recollection of a visit to Gaines- 
ville, Georgia, in 1884. 1 was some forty miles off, and the 
news flew, like fired stubble, that a detective from Arkansas 
wanted to see me. Well, a man to come so far must be re- 
spected, as he must be on a weighty errand; and liking to see 
old friends (?), I went, like Csesarinto Gaul, on a strain, took 
rarrow gauge E. E. at the beautiful city of Jefferson, and 
soon wound my wa}^ up street to meet my old friend, Mr. 
Bentley, Esq., the "brave man and officer," who understood 
bloodhounds, and how to keep hid at a certain pine log — ■ 
perhaps he will call to mind the occasion. But, alas ! when 
I sought him he was not. We wonder what was the matter! 
The people of Gainesville would have treated him well. I 
will say to a generous public, and the good men and women 
of the lovely State of Arkansas, the reason he hulled out was, 
a man named Daniel followed him to the gate where he was 
to stay over night, and seeing Jack Daniel and Bud had a 
legion of friends here who sustained his course in protecting 
himself, he just walked that night to train, and off! off! 

MR. JOHN FURGERSON 

also deserves a place here, that all good men and women, es- 
pecially wives, can see it, and look down into his dark and 
sinful life. He turned my wife and children out of comfort 
into a log cabin poorly furnished, and stinted their eating, 
and, to add more grief to my heart, he turned my dear babe 
out, which was only one year old! Mothers, look at Mr. Pur- 
gerson ! See my little children turned out, and hear ray lit- 
tle angel babe's screams, its mother in the grave, and only 
little brothers and sisters to see after it. Turned out, starv- 
ing, man frowning on them because he had not dignity, hu- 
manity and valor to meet their father. Now, dear men and 
mothers, sisters, fathers, brothers, all — do you censure me for 
using my Winchester on them ? Do you see any outlawry in 
that? Would a man who thus suffers his own children, his 
dear angel wife trampled beneath the merciless tread of sav- 
age, unchained passions ; would he be worthy the name of 
father? I leave you, dear people, to reply. 

But Mr. Furgerson told the people my wife would not go 
off to Georgia, even when she was arranging with Mr. Eeeves 
to come to Jackson County, Georgia. My wife said, three 



70 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

days prior to her untimely deatli, "Mr. Eeeves, if anything 
happens, please get my children off to Georgia." And when 
my dear wife lay weltering in gore, the first man who reached 
the sad scene was Mr. Furgerson. My wife, seeing him, said, 
"Take the gun, and shoot me again !" Suspicion rests upon 
him; that word " again " means "once before," and I will 
recollect it ! To say the least, Mr. Furgerson has not fol- 
lowed the Golden Eule, and he would "skin a flea for its 
hide and tallow," oven if he had to take clothes off women's 
and children's bare backs to get to the flea. So saying, I 
bid you good-bye, Mr. Furgerson, hoping to meet you some 
fine day. 1 remain, yours inquiringly. 

But some one may say, " Jack Daniel had nothing to do in 
composing this volume." To let you know Jack is responsi- 
ble for its contents, I will say, my children are hard to guess 
at, and I will trouble you with their names, and give the 
color of my wife's eyes. 

My oldest is Forest Colmore, age 15 years ; Ivy Caroline, 
13 years; Pleasant AUie, 9 years, JSIida Ann, 7 j^ears; Lola 
Harriet, 5 years ; Russell Jackson, 3 years; and the baby. 
Jack Bush, 2 years now, but 15 months old when charitable 
Mr. Furgerson turned it out of doors. My wife's maiden name 
was Lucinda Potts ; born in Jackson County, Georgia ; was 
32 years old at the time of her sad death ; the color of her 
eyes was black. Now, you, in Arkansas, about Ion's Creek, 
know who dictates — it means business. 

MRS. LUCINDA DAKIEL, 

borne down with such inhuman treatment; brought so low 
from her girlhood's raising and comforts ; seven little ones to 
feed ; her house and land wrested away by land-sharks ; her 
husband fored to do what worlds would not induce him to 
do — acting under a sense of honor, dignity, and justice — 
compelled to flee, be away from home — sweet, sweet home \ 
— her mind became wrecked by degrees, until death closed 
the scene. She is at rest in the silent grave, her dear children 
in Georgia, and her husband is not eaten up yet by "turtles." 

Now, dear friends, I write you a letter: 

Georgia, February 19th, 1885. 
Dear Friends in Arkansas: 

After so lonic a lapse, (you will excuse tardiness,) I seat 
my humble self to write you a bit of news. I thank you 
dearly for your timely aid and good counsel in days forever 
gone. I will ever hold sacred in memory your kindness to 
dear ones, one of whom is in the narrow, silent home. 1 see 
you day by day — I dream of you, and wonder how your 
beautiful country and good citizens could have been cursed 
with some evil spirits tormenting you, and depriving your 
humble servant of life's greatest boon. But in darkness your 



HAIR-HREADTH ESCAPES OP R. J AND BUD DANIEL. 71 

Star arose ; your hands, outstretched, gave reliel and conso- 
lation to my utmost need, and caused me to be able to pen 
this letter to j^our dear cj'es. 

I regret that so many suftered on my account. We hope 
bountiful Heaven will bless yonr baskets and stores; and 
finally, let us meet where eternal life sits flushed on every 
cheek. 1 will now relate how I escaped. Eead it — and may 
your hearts rejoice! 

R. v!. Daniel. 

THE ESCAI'K FKOM BLOOD HOUKDS. 

Leaving the log, getting home two hours by sun, we ate 
something, and when midnight came on, Lucinda and Jack 
went out to a bluff, high and rocky. There we parted, to meet 
no more till the trump shall wake the pale nations under 
ground. Tears welling up, utterance impossible, we stood 
clasped in one eternal embrace. Bitter hour that to me! At 
last Lucinda said, "Jack, we will meet in Georgia. You are 
now forced to go beyond the reach of the men who seem void 
of reason and mercy. Don't take it so hard, dear husband, 
for I will soon be with you in a free land, in our own dear 
childhood's fairy garden?" 

Jack turned round, cast one long and farewell gaze toward 
his home, where his little angels were sleeping, put his arms 
about the snowy neck of her who had been his comfort, his 
happiness, and his light out of darkness and gloom, then 
looking out over the craggy precipice frowning immeasurable 
fathoms below, said, " Farewell, dear angel! " His heart was 
too full. Bud said, " Let's go. Jack ." and soon they were 
in the main road tor Chalybeate Springs. 

Passing through Chalybeate Springs, we paused to sip one 
cooling draught from the big spring; and, as we had beer- 
well tutored, we did not rouse any sleeper, to bid him good- 
night, but passed quietly on to Washita river, secured a skiff", 
and glided adown the rippling stream, until we landed for 
wood and water at Cedar Glades. We found one Mr. Goat 
in deep distress on our descent. A cleft of rock, at least 100 
feet high, reached out over the rolling Washita, and this poor 
animal had unluckily leaped from an upper ledge, fallen on 
the impending crag, and. standing right on the verge, was 
bleating piteously to his fellows feeding in a field across the 
stream. We thought, " Old fellow, you are in trouble, as 
well as two-limbed animals." 

We saw but two persons on our way down, and they did 
not see us, neither did we wave handkerchiefs, nor halloo, 
" School Butter ! " Landed, we went up to the Glades, found 
many things topsy-turvy, on account of a couple of outlaws, 
and men, guns, pistols, all were earnestly solicited to go up 
between Jerusalem and Jericho, to fall in among thieves, out- 
aws, etc.. and *' hunt 'em down." 



iZ HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OP R. J. AND BUD DANIEL, 

So reconnoitering, taking in the situation at a glance, see- 
ing it poor land for a " one-eyed man," we set sail on foot for 
Little Eock, distant 100 miles. The weather being suitrj^, 
we found it prudent to travel m night hours, lying up in day- 
time. We subsisted, in times of pinch, on roasting ears, 
watermelons, and, now and then, an old gobbler came down 
before Winchester. I can say in truth, without the shadow 
of boasting, that I can bring off a squirrel's head, at 75 paces, 
nearly every time. The Winchester is deservedly par excel- 
lence. I shall ever keep mine, in remembrance of its very ef- 
ficient service. 

We camped near Little Rock. Next morning we marched, 
like good soldiers, right " down into town," and by 10 o'clock 
had made the following preparations, viz. : We bought a boat 
25 feet long and five feet wide, very deep in the hull. Then 
we purchased provisions — lard, meat, sugar, coffee, rice — 
cooking utensils, and, as we would be exposed to miasma, 
dews, fogs, etc., we secured a large jug of good whiskey, and 
emptied much q^dnine into it. Then we bought a large trot- 
line and many hooks, and went down street in old fisherman's 
stj'le, thus evading suspicion ; for you will remember tl^at the 
law-making manufactory is open at Little Eock, the capital, 
and persons would be likely to notice the least move in the 
wrong direction. So thus equipped for a regular fish, we 
moved to our craft, for which we had shelled down |l5 cur- 
rent money with the merchant, and about 10 o'clock spread 
sail, hoisted our oil-cloth, and moved down the Arkansas 
river, with as happy hearts and clear consciences as generally 
rove up and down its majestic waters. We looked back, saw 
the bustle, thought of Ion's Creek, the scared crew, peeping 
round the crags, looking for outlaws, and expecting to find 
Winchester bullets, while, poor, deluded souls ! the very 
hearts they would willingly have stilled in blood, were beating 
joyfully, void of malice, on the free and placid bosom of a 
Western river, away off 100 miles, current i-apid, and the 
boat's prow down stream, and going 75 miles per day. 



CHAPTBE XXI. 

Thoughts of Home — Dream — Travels to Mississippi River — 
Down, New Orleans — Lee's Momiment Unveiled, &c., &c. 
Kind Eeader and Friends: — Let's go back to a little 
home in Montgomer}' county, on Ion's creek ; there is a wo- 
man and seven sweet, dear children. That woman is my 
wife. Bentley and Furgerson and such like had weakened 
her mind by taunts and outrageous threats, even of her life, 
to fasten her and her children, all dear on earth to her, up 
in an old cabin which Furgerson had ruthlessh' thrust them 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 73 

into, and burn them up, root and branch. Add to this the 
denial of her husband's presence, forever banished from her 
embrace, and we discover symptoms of insanity. The first 
were, she would go out in the yard, and pausing, then call 
the name of her husband, as she was wont to do in time of 
plowing, when she called him to meals. My dear children 
were abused, my wife thus ruined until sbe ended her life, or, 
some one ended it for her. The great judgment will make 
manifest everj^thing, and Lucinda is avenged. 

From the Capital we moved straight down the river, pass- 
ing beautiful farms, enchanting gi-oves, wild forests, cane 
breaks almost incredible, camping at night, reversing the land 
travels, for good reasons, having no fear alter we were one 
mile down the river. When night came on, the beautiful 
stars shone from heaven, the moon in her stately march shed 
lustre on the river's bosom, and the forest on its banks seem- 
ed one mighty enchanted city, where every one was silent 
and pure; we cooked, talked, enjoyed life as much as we could, 
and both together slept, the first nap of the sort from April 
18th., to July 29th., and August 6th. 

I slept one day, as our great boat was hurried downward, 
and in my visions I heard my devoted Lucinda calling me. 
O how dismal that call on the waters ! "O Jack !" came in 
tones as distinct as ever sounded on the threshold of quiet 
home. 1 can safely assert, no one ever had a better wife, nor 
lived a more happy life; no jars, no strife ; all peace, all love 
and union. 

We passed on down, stojiping at the following named points : 
Arkansas city in Desha county, where there is much good 
land, but yQvy swampy, and we did not esteem it salubrious 
enough to locate, but passed on to Grreenville, where we found 
a low, wet country; then we entered the great Mississippi ; 
on we moved to Eed river landing ; took dinner here ; found 
it a great farming country, but too liable to overflow — and 
raise two bales of cotton and half a bale of mosquitos. 

Wheeling a bend about 35 miles, we came in sight of New 
Texas landing on a lofty eminence, but back of it lies deep, 
wild forests, canebrakes, chills, fever, doctor's bills and bad 
water. 

Eight around another bend, twenty miles, we stopped at 
Bayou Sarah, on the Mississippi side, where it seemed to im- 
prove; then we moved to Baton Roughe, then to Plaquemine, 
on a bayou, very low and certainlj^ sickly; then we moved 
to White Hall, and with all might and main sailed for the 
crescent city. We arrived in New Orleans, having been out 
sixteen days, all in good health. We disposed of our boat at 
a reduced, deteriorated price, and, esteeming the weather too 
warm in this latitude, we also let our fishing tackle go. We 



74 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

kept it in fall view all the wav down, that persons would 
opine that we were just going around the next bend to let 
down our trot line. We suppose this stratagem succeeded 
well, for no one said, "Whence earnest thou?" 

We walked, big as Ike, up into New" Orleans, and lo ! a 
great concourse of people from States, capitals, and crowded 
cities! What's up now? Lees monument was to be unveil- 
ed, and here they come, to witness the pall torn from the re- 
membrances of the greatest warrior of modern times ; tears 
flowed freely; acclamations rent the air; every sign of appre- 
ciation rose like like ei)f;hantment. Some were here who had 
heard the bristling cannon i-oar, and seen the lightning's 
fiery flash from ihe tried rifles in hands of devoted braves on 
Southern soil. Some from Gettysburg, Malvern Hill, Eich- 
mond. Some were here, when he gave his sword, gave in 
with him, and stood by him till the last shot told out our 
principles. We felt proud to come out of desperate hands and 
fall into men of jirinciple, appreciation and humanity. So 
we secured good lodging at the St. Charles hotel, for two days, 
enjoying the gentle breezes, wholesome society, and general 
excitement of the momentous occasion. W'c then bent our 
course up the river to White Hall; there we remained three 
months, working for good wages ; good society and clever 
people ; this is a fine country for sugar. 

We then went down to ]Sew Orleans, took shipping across 
a beautifully diversed country of land and water, rolling 
lakes, widespi-ead Ponchartrain, and high bridges to Mobile, 
Alabama. This is a beautiful city, of about forty thousand 
souls. W^e passed on by laili'oad to Pensacola, Florida, the 
great jNavy Yard city; here is a nice place for tourists and 
health seekers. Tallahassee, the Capital, was next in our 
path. Here is a beautiful inland city, but we bought no 
tackle nor boat at this place, although it be the Capital. Cir- 
cumstances alter cases. From tlie Capital we moved to Live 
Oak, where anything short of aligators would fare but slim ; 
here on the Suwanee river; but further down it is healthy. 
We moved right to the greatest city in the land of flowers, 
Jacksonville, on the St. Johns river. This city is crowded in 
winter, from Northern States, and the St. Johns river runs 
North, perhaps the only stream in the Union. It heads 
away down south toward the gulf, runs into the stormy At- 
lantic in a northerly direction. This river is a chain of lakes, 
narrow here, wide there, and deep withal. Calahan was our 
next, where we staid three months. We thought a little hard 
of friends back in Arkansas, because no letters came to the 
oflice backed to "R. J. Daniel, Calahan, Fla." Well, I excused 
them on the grounds that the "Mountain fastnesses were to 
be completely scoured by that brave and skillful officer, Mr. 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. <0 

Bentley, Esquire, full of fury and of tire, with blood- hounds 
he would put up a tree, and hunt up to the bog, but mind the 
pine log, &c." 

Well, I moved on to VVaycross, Thomasville, then to Alba- 
ny, a lovely place ; Macon, the seat of learning ; Mercer Uni- 
versity is here but having our diploma, we passed to Cam- 
mack, thence to Union Point, where we felt happy at the 
thought of happy reunion. We expected to meet wife and 
childi'en soon, according to agreement made on the high bluff 
in Arkansas, about midnight, when my devoted Lucinda 
said so lovingly, "Jack, we will meet in Georgia!" We then 
steered for Athens, a city of about ten thousand people, several 
fine schools, good cotton market, rich croppers around, and 
thence where honor, duty and friends invited us. We rushed 
right into friends in five or six counties, who received us as life 
from the dead. Kind homes, outstretched arms, but "Where 
is Lucinda?" "Not here! not here !" What's the matter? 
Our joy was to be full when we met — we had waited long — 
but, alas! demons in human form had either killed my wife, 
or, caused her own hands to do the awful deed. 

Yes, dear friends, my escape, our escape, was made, heaven 
provided, bullets have been rained at us, but not one took 
effect. But my dear wife, the hope of my life, my children 
abused and left motherless, and their father branded bj' cow- 
ards and sneaks as an outlaw against the rightful rule of Ar- 
kansas, my friends dragged out to meet a cruel fate of rope 
and gallows, my friends' true, virtuous wives were maltreated 
by these inhuman agencies. Poor Dr. Flood and charitable 
Coker and many others suffered martyrdom in our behalf, 
my land was cruelly wrested, contraiy to statute, and my 
wife and children turned out homeless and destitute, while 
Bill Potter, agged on by greed and ill-gotten gains, forced 
unhappy measures — he slumbers in the grave. Several oth- 
ers have gone to that lonely city laid out in walks and 
squares. 1 was forced to action, 1 apologize for no known 
duty, I was not after vengeance, I wasacting the part of hus- 
band, father, citizen of America. 1 considered mj'^self a right 
to the land on Ion's creek. I am no coward, no violator of 
Jaw, DO heinous outlaw, but dear friends, I want you to write 
what 1 have done on the pillars ot the State Capital, write 
them on the corridors of time, sculpture the shooting of Pot- 
ter, the pine log battle, the blood-hounds and biscuit, the 
farewell on the high bluff, my arms around mj^ dear wife's 
neck, her eyes streaming with tears, her body mangled, shot, 
her little children starving, their march to Georgia, my chil- 
dren among dogs, the dogs shot down at their feet, the blood 
spattering their clothes, Bentley cursing my wife and chil- 
dren, frightening them with threats to burn them in the 



16 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

house, Furgerson and his ill-gotten possession of mj'- hap))y 
home, his money now due, and his cruelty to mine, that infa- 
mous Blocker, the traitor, but not honest enough to hang him- 
self, like Judas. Dear friends, inscribe, in imperishable charac- 
ters, these things, and tell your sons and daughters to look at 
them, and looking up to heaven, say, in the integrity of your 
heart, do you think we are outlavvs? 

Do you see how I could have avoided anything? You 
may say, "Well, boj's, you should have moved out, when you 
saw you could not live in peace." Yes, but when did we see 
this ? Had we done any violence, taken things fraudulently ? 
No ! no ! ! no ! ! ! Then the hurricame on us unawares. 



CONCLUSION. 

ADDRESS TO THE GOVERNOR AND MY FRIENDS IN ARKANSAS — 
ALSO A WORD TO "TURTLE BAITERS." 

To His Excellency, the Governor of Arkansas, 

Dear Sir: This to you may seem unique, strange in- 
deed, to receive an address from a man who is labeled in 
your State an outlaio. But, dear sir, you possess potency in 
favor of right rule, truth, integrity and justice ; therefore 
this appeal is direct to your judgment, not the sill}', idle, «en- 
sational sounds coming up from a well-organized horde of 
robbers on Ions creek in Montgomery county. 

About April 18th , 1883, after a protracted series of inju- 
ries, both by scandal and threats of destruction, I was irre- 
sistibly drawn into a difficulty with one Wm. Potter, against 
whom I entertained not the slightest malice. He, from time 
to time endeavored to enlist me in a band to keep the pub- 
lic lands on Ions creek unsettled; 1 refused. He then said I 
must leave or die. Mr. Blocker was shot at by Mr. Potter. 
We went to have a talk, not to quarrel He endeavored to 
use fire-arms, and, in self defense, we were compelled to de- 
feud our person. He was killed. A band of intriguers as- 
saulted us, abused our families, abused our friends, even dis- 
regarding female character, threatened to burn my wife and 
children in a house, shot vaj dog, the blood spattering on my 
■wife's clothes, abused my wife until she died by her own 
hands, or the hands of a foe, turned my wife and seven chil- 
dren out of house and home, and has given no equivalent in 
return. While I was trying, dear sir, to have a fair trial 
before a proper body, these foes to virtue, intercepted my 
friends, would not permit us to give up to any official, save 
in Yell county, cut off from Hot Springs court, hung Dr. 
Flood and Mr. Coker — my friends — and intimidated all who 
aided, however. On the 29th of Jul}^ 1884, we were pursued 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OP R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 77 

by one Bentley, a detective, with blood-houndfl, and men 
who seemed more bent on murder, assault and ruin, rather 
than to briug men to hiw, evidence, and righteous decision. 
We met them like men; our Winchester rifles, dear sir, spoke 
loud and awful. Soon blood-hounds, detective, all — were 
gone — two men kept the field. It matters not how many fell 
there, we were defending our persons against blood-hounds 
and men who would have inflicted death the very moment of 
surrender. Had an oflScer from Hot Springs been after us, 
we had sought him, gone to trial, come clear, and we would 
to day have been happy. But Yell county wanted death, 
not court, because the way was open to settle up the good 
lands on Ions creek. 

My character, dear sir, is open before you. Inquire of 
Kobt. Toombs, of Georgia, go to the Ben Hill family, Joseph 
B. Brown, go to Athens, Ga., inquire, find me out, probe deep 
and pass sentence. I appeal to you for my land for my chil- 
dren, I labored assiduously, I hoped to live and be buried 
there. My smiling fields, blooming orchards, comfortable 
houses; cost me much toil. Is it legal and just for Mr. Fur- 
gerson to deceive my wife, seize my lands, myself cast out 
for outlaw, and men to seize my hard earnings? 

I am open to trial before any fair court. I make no apol- 
ogy. I say this, dear sir — I regret the unpleasant result — I 
would not cultivate a desire for such rashness and sorrow — 
my desire is to obey laws, live m peace, practice virtue, and 
be in company with justice, mercy and honor. But the first 
law of nature is self preservation. I am a gentleman, sir, 
and appeal to you as such. 

I am no mean sneak, no coward, as some will testify who- 
saw me once at a certain pine log. 

I can never repent of defending my home, mj'' character 
and my ancestry. I would hide my mouth in the dust before 
I would suffer my wife and children maltreated, my neigh- 
bors hung, myself run by blood-hounds, with men who- 
threatened to feed my carcass to turtles. Yes, sir, I would 
be ashamed. My last moments would see howling ghosts, 
scoffing, upraiding my cowardice, and in the silent grave^ 
methinks I could hear my children's scream that papa lacked 
manhood to defend them. 

Hoping, dear sir, you will ponder these sentimenta, 
I am, dear Governor, 
Your servant in trouble, 

R J. Daniel, 
To my Friends : 

Dear Heartfelt Friends — I can never forget you, nor cease 
to love you. your timely aid has been treasured up. 1 am iiv 
good health, but you can never conceive how low I am in 



78 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL 

spirit, especially when 1 call to mind days and friends, espe- 
cially the friend who walked in youth's eai'ly morn by my 
side, alas! life is of chequei-ed hues, but some day in the 
bright, eternal future, 1 hojje to meet my loved one, and dear 
friends, not lost, but gone before. 1 am in good health, have 
friends, do good work, and make good wages. I may never 
meet you in this short life, but 1 will go to my grave with the 
pleasant consciousness of duty well and lastingly done. 

I will need no marble stone to remind me of your kindness, 
but will often revive my drooping spirits with the fond re- 
flection that there ai"e hearis far away beating in unison with 
my own, and in heaven's eternal beauties and unfading glo- 
ries meet Your true friend, 

R. J. Daniel. 

To Turtle Baiters and Blood- Hounds : 

Dear Confederation of Well Disciplined Hypocrites — I take 
my pen in hand to write you a few lines to let you know 
thai what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the other bird 
also. I am well, fat and sauc}^ hope these few lines may find 
you all well — armed, having plenty of men to hunt down the 
mountain fastnesses, and we very earnestly hope that your 
blood- hounds are fat, having eaten their biscuits, and they 
will hurrah, pup ! better than they did at the pine log. i 
hope you searched long and well for the Daniel boys, and 
found enough women and children to abuse, to keep in prac- 
tice, for we do declare you were the best to abuse women 
I ever heard of. You could curse so terrific, threaten so very 
eloquentl}^ and you are certainly good at shooting dogs, and 
not hit the women and children, but you must not let the 
blood spatter ou them. 1 hope you are not afraid to go out 
to a fire by the roadside ; if you had come to us that night, 
we would have divided biscuit. If you would have stood up 
like men at the pine log, we would have furnished the under- 
taker and newspapers with work for sometime. You thought 
you were following men who had had no raising, no educa- 
tion, no royal ancestry; but if you ever repeat the experiment 
you will find about five or six counties with marksmen who 
do not shoot up in tree tops, and who will lift your cowardly 
jackets "from who di-ove the wedge !" You followed us with 
blood-hounds, you mistreated our families, and you repented 
your hunt, you found bad game, you run upon the "fellows 
that stole Massa's Inguns !" You "knew 'em by 'em breaf !" 
You hung my friends, but recollect, you did not hang their 
Winchesters, and their owners can look down the barrels. 

Sometimes I feel lonely ; my dear wife gone to her lowly 
bed, but I rejoice that the same band of good cowardly hypo- 
crites who entailed so much miserj"^ on me, have pulled down 
the just displeasure of the State upon their own guilty heads. 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES nF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 79 

I am sony for tlieir dear women and sweet little children. If 
the}' were men, brave men, in a good cause, 1 would stand 
with them, but when 1 know them to be u fox- like band of 
thieves and cold blood murderers, working for dishonest gain, 
I have no communion. A grander piece of rascality was 
never woven than Bentlcy. He came to Gainesville, Georgia, 
and left right noxc. Jf he had remained till next da}' 9 o'clock, 
the newspapers would have read about thus : 

"Detective Bentley, from Arkansas, came up missing 

JHSt such chickens can't roost more than one night on that 
pole — we know him in Georgia — he is very unworthy a good 
woman's company." 

Now, old hidden enemies on Ions creek, I am done. I 
have given a true history to throw broad-cast over the world. 
You drove me to defense; I am in good spirits. You shot at 
me, but God's hand warded off. You are perfectly welcome 
to all victories you ever achieved. 

I am proud of my Winchester. 1 would not disgrace my 
wife and children by surrendering to blood-hounds and mur- 
derers. An Indian's eheek would pale at any other course. 
"1 never suffered the key to rust in the lock ot hell, while my 
wife and children wei-e abused." 

I expect to meet you in awful judgment, and if you ever 
enter the paradise, look right clo!=e behind and see your 
humble servant. I pull off my hat and wave it to you, peace 
on earth, good will to man, and keep your blood-hounds fat, 
for good men will settle the valley, and if it becomes essen- 
tial, will use Winchester, as has been done in days gone b}'. 
Your everlasting enemy, 

K. J. Danikl. 



CANTO I. 



Attend, dear friends, while I relate 
What happened in Arkansas State; 
While the truth in love we speak, 
Remember it was on Ions Creek. 
About fourteen years past and gone, 
When boyhood's sun upon us shone, 
We marched with gladsome song, 
To spend our days amid the throng- 
That sought for shelter, wealth and rest, 
Amid the engaging beauties of the West. 
We landed in the beauteous land. 
We saw the glorious West expand ; 
We looked for old age to come, 
Further west we sought a home ; 
And amid the grandeur of the hills 
Which rise heavenward and fill 
The heart with reverence and joy, 
We sought a home, our best employ. 



80 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

But soon the scene was changed ; 
Men from virtue were estranged, 
All love for God was lost in man : 
In theft and murder measure his span 
Of life — and then in the vortex brings 
Every man — or else bruise with stings 
These men so mean, so very vile, 
Tried by art — tried long by guile. 
To force Jack Daniel into line, 
And get his brother Bud in one mind. 

CANTO II. 

A certain William Potter living there, 
Tried to draw us in his lair ; 
Hai'd words, and then the bi-eath. 
He'd see us out, even unto death. 
Bill Blocker, too, as grand a sneak 
As ever saw beautiful Ions Creek; 
Was shot at by Potter, and came 
To tell who was then to blame. 
Went to have a talk — all for good, 
In faith, and hope, and fear of God. 
Be it true, every word I say, 
He threw reason far away, 
And jumped for arms, blood to shed, 
And was shot till quivering dead. 
Good women were treated badly, too, 
By that ungodly, thieving crew. 
Who came, like vultures on the fold, 
To swear, abuse, threat and scold. 
Thej' tried to poison children dear, 
They cursed women, void of fear; 
They hunted good men to slay, 
And hung them up on tlie highway. 
They hunted us with bloodhounds rare, 
But were hunted by bullets fair. 
Running like turkeys, they call, 
" Come, catch outlaws, one and all ! " 
But we escaped ; and safe at last, 
We write this verse of actions past. 

CANTO III. 

My wife is sleeping in the dust. 

My children are in happy trust ; 

My health is good— and now 

I will eternal faithfulness to friends avow, 

To thank them for their kindly deeds, 

That precious boon of timely needs. 

My foes may look out for fun, 

Just as certain as set of sun. 

If their side of branch they keep. 

In soundness let them only sleep; 

But if they get a craving after gain, 

Come over the dead line, to stain 

Our good soil with traitor's tread — 

Winchesters abundant — abundant lead — 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OF R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 81 

No covvjird?, titlier, nor traitors — 
All true to steel— oti the other waiters. 
While life lii*ts, and time is given, 
Ere the bolt Lonie-:, the oak be riven, 
Let fools learn wisdom before they come 
All of sudden to untimely tomb, 
And leave your wives in sore distress, 
Through your own wickedness. 
While men are minding their own affairs. 
Tilling and toiling with ax and shares. 
Better mind your business— obey thy God, 
Else other business put thee beneath the sod, 
By men who are firm on rock or bog, 
And understand the old pine log. 



*FINIS^ 

Kind Reader: 

Have jou ever visited a tower, ruined and falling down 
beneath the burden of years, and then considered in your 
pure mind what that structure icas, what it is, and what it 
could have been, and icill be? If so, the present subject is 
not strange to you. 

Lonor, weary years ago, a sportive boy, playing upon the 
green, indulging in the sports of innocency, unfettered, un- 
trammeled, free as ocean's wave, free as air, now a man, fet- 
tered, proscribed, cast out as ocean-weed upon desolate shore 
—and why? Because I am a dog? a thief? a midnight as- 
sassin? a public highway robber? No, dear friends, no!— 
a thousand echoes from the hill-tops say, No! 

On the mercy, generosity and enduring forbearance of the 
public— even on the arm of strength of thirteen hundred 
millions of souls, do we repose on earth, while to Him who 
guides the torch -bearers throughout space above, do we com- 
mit our cause, soul, spirit and body, to be sanctified, called 
into His vineyard to labor for the good of humanity, as well 
as for the undying glory of God above. 

My wife, dear reader, sleeps in a little grove in a far-off 
land, while her once bright-eyed beauties are attending school 
in a distant region, where the sun of freedom and piety, re- 
ligion and purity, ri^es above them. Every setting of that 
day-srod reminds them, and him whom they call father, of a 
grove in the far West, where, wrapt in cold and cloddy shroud, 
lie.^ the once animated form of mamma— wife— star of home, 
and light to beam on our pathway, to shed halos of lustre 
even to the grave. 

1 look westward, think of a horde of savage cutthroats, 
men void of reason, instigated by the malice of the Devil, 
not having the fear of God before their eyes, and wholly 
given to deeds of darkness, who came in and wrested peace, 



82 HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 

joy and affection from neighbors, carried my dear wife — my 
angel wife and bosom friend — on strong pinions down to the 
grave, and maltreated my poor little motherless children, even 
starving them ; casting them out of a comfortable home into 
the wintry blast ; even exposing my little 15-months old babe 
to the howling storm, and using ever}' fiendish endeavor to 
exterminate my entire family. They even placed poison in 
biscuits, to deprive my children of life — forcing them by 
hunger to eat and die. Thej' would not let good neighbors 
cut wheat or oats for vay family, but even turned hogs in 
upon the wheat, and without mercy saw the hard labor of a 
woman and some little children go to ruin, just simply because 
their head was an offender. 

I was forced, by every tie, sacred or human, to defend my 
wife and dear children. When I led Lucinda Potts to the 
holy altar, pledged eternal protection and support, 1 meant it. 
My little children grew up around me, and thej' twined about 
our affections stronger than natural life. So when the blow 
was directed toward we, ih^iY father and head, it was at once 
aimed directly at them. 

Those men living about the edges of the mountain fast- 
nesses of Yell County know they are principally thieves. All 
they desire is money — and they do not go to the New Tes- 
tament every time to find the best means to the safest end. 
They would rob a "dead nigger,"' to get the pewter dollar 
from the poor old African's eyelids. They would poison lit- 
tle children, ruin the fair characters of our daughters, wi-eck 
the mental faculties of mother?, and laugh ai the misery of 
fathers. They ran upon Jack and Bud. They repented their 
" walking match." 

Down by that pine log comes a wail — a sad wail. Dogs — 
bloodhounds — and bloody men ; a company with vengeance 
and cruelty and murder in their souls; to kill — hang — two 
poor boys, that their inhuman conduct had enthralled ; for if 
they had been submissive to the Code of Arkansas, remained 
at home, and been good husbands, neighbors, citizens, we 
would never have been compelled to issue this publication to 
an honest, pious, candid-thinking world. 

They came on. It was a had come. " Here, Bull ! Sick 
'em, cowards ! Here, fellows, eat 'em up without salt or 
bread ! " Such were the insulting ejaculations as that den of 
scoundrels came near the pine log, and their greedy, polluted 
souls all afire for our blood, and the innocent blood of our 
children. We had advised our friends to stay behind ! A 
wink is as good as a nod to a blind man ; hence, those j'elling 
demons were not friends. We tried hard to get two together, 
tried to get a good, fair glimpse of the brave detective, but 
could not know him. We let drive ; off piled two ; then bait- 



HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES OP R. J. AND BUD DANIEL. 83 

ing our hooks, we jerked, and here came two more, " giwne 
on to glory ! " as the nigger said, when one slipped under the 
ice. 

You ought to have seen those mean cowards shoot ! The 
a'l'We-s^ shooting 3'ou ever saw! I will affirm in candor, the 
bullets went at least fifteen feet above us. You ought to have 
seen their horses run — dogs, men — all behind rocks. Why 
not come out like men to free the country from outlaws (?) as 
you call us ? The reason is plain. We were protecting our 
sacred rights, while they knew that every arm in Arkansas 
was justly against them They knew we had a pure, God- 
given right to shoot the veritable liver and lightsout of them. 
We were innocent. We had strong nerves, honest hearts, 
pure consciences, and of course could afford to do a first-class 
job of shooting, especially for the protection of women and 
helpless children. We regret the shedding of blood, but may 
God's infinite mercy wash away all sin, and save our souls 
from every dark sin, help us all to meet where "friend holds 
fellowship with friend!" We have obeyed the voice of the 
son of God. We have tried to obey his holy will. We re- 
pent in "dust and ashes." We have obeyed him in faith in 
His blood, repentance toward God, confession of the power of 
Jesus' name, and have bowed down in baptism to all that is 
sacred. I want the pra3'er8 of God's dear people the world 
over. I want my last days to be ray best ones, and may 
heaven correct any errors of our lives, and restore to peace 
and love. 

We now close by saying, "Peace on earth, good will to 
man." "Glory to God in the highest heaven." To the Gov- 
ernor of Arkansas we say "Live long and be happy and pros- 
perous, and enjoy your office till jon choose to give to an- 
other.'' 

To the citizens of Little Eock : You did not know us that 
morning when we came down your streets quite early. We 
meant business. Those men did not perceive us when we 
bought those lines, hooks, skillets, flour, &c. No, good for us 
they did not. We bought a boat, you know, then fished six- 
teen days down the Arkansas river, then down Mr. Mississ- 
ippi, even to New Orleans, to "Big folks." 

You ask ns, "How could j-ou get away ? We answer. 
How could you keep us there when ever}' other man was a 
bosom friend ? We passed on about midnight, having killed 
the dogs of the detective. We poisoned them with the bis- 
cuit they had "set for our children." 

We went on about two miles to a branch, put down the 
poison, then set out for Chalybeate Springs ; about 12 o'clock 
we noiselessly moved on. and reached the Washita river, 
secured a canoe, then down to the Glades, then over moun- 
tains and valleys to Little Eock. 



84 HAIR- BREADTH ESCAPES OP R. J. AND BUD DANIEL 

My children are attending school, and my affection^ "Ulster 
about them for good. May the giver of all good b! them 
and shield them from the dark days of the past, guu.o their 
young hearts in wisdom's ways, and when this weary life is 
over, land our weary and trusting souls upon the strand of 
everlasting day, where, amid the songs of redemption, we 
may behold the enraptured throng, the sapphire-decked 
walls of immortal glory, the pearly gates, and our feet tread 
with joy the courts of God, the streets of burnished gold, our 
eager hands pluck with untold emotion the ambrosial fruit 
of the tree of life, while to our feverish lips will be applied 
the cooling beverage of the water of life from that river that 
gladdens the city of our God. And there clad in white, with 
glory wrapped around, meet dear wife, dear children, dear 
friends, to bask in the sunshine of God's glory, and scale the 
battlements of heaven to plant our standards upon, the con- 
tinent of immortal day, to dwell forever with the pure and 
good in the city of God, in the world beyond the grave. 



THE END. 



ti 0\), 



■THE TRIALS' 



-AND- 



H 



^ESCAPES 



-OF 



R 



u 



& BUD DANIEL, 

IN ARKANSAS, 

THE SO-CALLED OUTLAWS. 

SOMEWHERE IN LOOK-OUT HOLLOW. 



COPYRIGHT SECURED i885' 



DUNLOP & COHEN, PRINTERS, ENGRATEKS AND BINDERS, 

ATLANTA, GA. 



